Kathleen Mary Low Hanway, wife of Thomas E. Hanway, died peacefully on March 17, 2002 at the Sound Shore Medical Center, New Rochelle, NY, after an illness of several months. She was 41 years old.
An Australian citizen, Mrs. Hanway, beloved daughter of Aileen Donnelly Low and the late Royden Low, was born in Brisbane, Queensland, and grew up in the Perth area of Western Australia. She was the youngest of five children with four older brothers, Patrick, Sean, Brendan and Bernard, all of whom currently reside in Australia.
After completing her education in Western Australia and entering the accounting profession, Kathleen Low was employed in the Perth and Sydney areas. She subsequently moved to London, in the United Kingdom, and then to New York City where she worked as a member of management in the music publishing and recording industry. She met Tom Hanway, an American and a professional musician, in 1994. The couple married in Perth, Australia on January 4, 1997. After returning to the United States they resided in Larchmont and in the Riverdale section of New York City.
In addition to their trips to Australia, Kathleen and Tom traveled to Ireland, England and Scotland as well as to many placed in the United States where Tom performed. Together they organized and presented the Big Apple Bluegrass & Folk Festival in New York City in 1998, and each successive year thereafter.
"We do not mourn her death; we celebrate her life."
The following eulogy was delivered on March 20, 2002, by Kathleen's brother Bernard Low:
On behalf of Kathleen's mother, Aileen, her deceased father, Royden, her four older brothers, Patrick, Sean, Brendan, and myself, Bernard, I wish to present to you this eulogy.
I stand before you today the representative of a family in grief and in mourning. Kathleen has a big and close family and is loved by all of them.
Kathleen was an extraordinary girl, both strong and brave. She traveled the world, leaving Perth, Western Australia, one of the most isolated cities in the world, before finally settling with her husband, Tom, and his family in New York, one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world. Kathleen enjoyed a challenge.
Throughout her travels Kathleen was able to transcend her nationality and became loved and respected by many different people throughout the world. People were attracted to Kathleen by her good humour, her good nature, her honesty, her loyalty, and her intelligence. All these things made her the special person she was in our lives.
Kathleen suffered the trials and tribulations of life with humour and strength of character. Even when her illness was diagnosed and she knew her days were numbered she still faced life with humour and strength. Kathleen faced her last days with dignity and was selfless in her support for her family and friends. Typical Kathleen - making sure that everyone was seen to before looking to herself.
Kathleen - we laughed together and we cried together, we shared our lives together, we will miss your smile, your infectious laugh, your generousity of spirit. You will always be with us. May you rest in peace.
In conclusion, and on behalf of my family, I would like to give special thanks to Tom, John, Elena, and all the Hanway family for accepting Kathleen with love as a family member and for their enduring support throughout her illness. For this we will remain forever grateful.
And to all of Kathleen and Tom's friends, we thank you for your kindness and support, and know as each day passes Kathleen's loving smile is with you.
