Kathleen Moran, 78, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026. Kathleen was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 7, 1948, and spent much of her life on Long Island, calling Northport, New York, home for many years. In more recent years, she made Southport, North Carolina, her home.

Kathleen was a devoted mother, sister, wife, grandmother, and friend. She was the mother of Keith, Chris, and Kaitlin, and the proud grandmother of Olivia, Finnegan, Lillian, and Delia, taking great pride in her family and the lives they built. She was also a beloved sister to Penny, Sally, Stephanie, Thomas, Michael, John, and Kenny.

Kathleen married her first husband, Brian, and together they shared a family until his passing in 1976. In 1981, she married her second husband, James, beginning a new chapter of her life together with him.

A lifelong scholar and gifted writer, Kathleen earned her degrees Magna Cum Laude before pursuing doctoral studies in English at Stony Brook University. She went on to inspire countless students over a distinguished 25-year career as a college English professor. Her commitment to story and truth led to the publication of her powerful memoir, Life Detonated. She created real change in the world through her advocacy as a co-founder of Survivors of the Shield, and efforts to pass legislation supporting line-of-duty police families.

Kathleen had an extraordinary eye for beauty and a talent for creating it, whether through interior decoration and landscape design, which she did professionally, or the painting and crafting that were her passion. She knew how to create visual harmony in every space. This talent extended to her gift as a hostess; she was so adept at making a comfortable environment, both visually and sensorially. All of these were true expressions of her sharp eye for detail and her high standards.

Throughout her life, Kathleen experienced both tremendous joy and difficult loss, but she continued forward with the strength and resilience that defined her. Her family will remember her as a woman whose life touched many people and whose memory will remain with those who loved her.

Kathleen's life was a journey that began in the Bronx, continued through Long Island, and brought her to the coast of North Carolina. Wherever she lived, she carried with her the beauty, people, and memories that mattered most.

She will be remembered, loved, and missed always.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service