Katherine Marie Elam

Katherine Marie Sweeney was born on November 18, 1942 to proud parents Mary and James Sweeney.  She was their second daughter, following behind Marieanne and just a few years later along came little Eleanor.  Katherine (Kay) loved being with her sisters and was said to be a social butterfly from early on in her life. This vibrant, blue-eyed, young Irish beauty caught the attention of the notorious Joseph Elam in Sacred Heart Elementary School’s fifth grade classroom. It wasn’t until several years later that the two began their 58 year romance.  They eventually started the adventure of a lifetime, parenthood, together and brought four children into the world: Terry, Cindy, Kelly and Joey.  Joe and Kay’s life consisted of many memorable camping trips to Hogan Reservoir,  jaunts to the cabin in Cedar Ridge, and evenings spent both  coaching and cheering on their kids at sporting events  Kay was known to be the best cheerleader in the stands at those events, often bringing her blue cowbell with her to add to her “not loud enough” voice. She was also a woman who loved a great social gathering, especially if there was dancing!

Kay had many jobs, but in all of them she was selfless – constantly giving to others in all ways.  She was a compassionate and dedicated registered nurse for 51 years, working at Laurel Grove Hospital and then Kaiser Permanente. She was a loving wife and mom who took pride in cooking for her family and shuttling kids from one event to another.  She was a committed big sister to Eleanor, taking her shopping each week and playing canasta. And, she was an extremely committed grandmother. Kay cherished each minute she spent with Ryan, Sarah, Caleb, Sean, Molly and Noah. Although she had aged, her voice hadn’t, and just like with her own children, Kay attended almost every game or match, yelling encouragement at her grandkids and insults at the refs. She was a woman who made every person she met feel like they were the most important human alive. She was an incredible listener,who always kept a positive mindset.  She instilled faith and morals in her children and grandchildren, and taught us all that each day should be filled with laughter.  Kay’s spirit will forever be remembered.  She truly was a woman who made this world a much better place. 

A memorial service will be held at Berge Pappas/Chapel of the Angels Funeral Home in Fremont CA on Friday, March 11 at 3:30 pm.  A true Irish Celebration of Life will follow at Joe and Kay’s house immediately after  the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Shriners Hospital for Children or Saint Jude’s Childrens’ Research Hospital.  Kay’s family requests that guests wear green in honor of Kay’s favorite color and her Irish Heritage.