Rochester: Kathleen passed away peacefully on March 15, 2018. She was born on January 23, 1942, in Jamaica, Queens, to James and Florence Meehan (née Palmer).
She graduated from SUNY New Paultz with a degree in education. Kathleen started her professional career as an elementary school teacher. Wanting to make a bigger impact on the lives of children, she enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Syracuse University. Shortly after graduating, she met the love of her life, Dr. Frank Soults. They married in 1972 and honeymooned in Nantucket. Kathleen’s social work career took off, and she worked at Hutchings Psychiatric Center in Syracuse, Travelers Aid in Roanoke, Virginia, and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Her favorite job was her private practice, outfitting her office with colorful children’s toys and enriching books.
She loved traveling, gardening, cooking, stitching, reading, birding, and playing with her dogs, Cinnamon, Harriet, Nell, and Bertie. All who knew her were struck by her belief in the healing power of graceful and elegant art in its many forms, from Inuit art to Bobby Short records to Shakespeare’s tragedies. In her daily life, she effortlessly embodied that grace and elegance, whether in her welcoming home or her dedication to helping those in need.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Frank Soults, daughter, Ann Meehan, stepsons Clifford (Lucia), Franklin, Johann (Scott), daughter-in-law Suzanne Buchanan, sister-in-law Sally Brennan, and siblings, Mary Ellen Oldenburg (Richard), Tisha Meehan, and Jim Meehan.
A celebration of her full life will take place on April 21. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org) or Allendale Columbia Summer LEAP Program, 519 Allens Creek Road, Rochester, NY 14618 or via their website https://allendalecolumbia.org/giving/summerleap/.