In loving memory of

Kathleen Ellen Driscoll
November 1, 1939 - April 21, 2023

Kathleen Ellen (Tax) Driscoll

Kathy Driscoll, who was born on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, 1939, in Plentywood, Montana, and passed away peacefully on April 21st, 2023, in Rochester, Minn., was most blessed in life in being a mother and grandmother.

Her parents, Carl and Agnes Tax, had ten children over a 19-year period, of whom Kathy (nicknamed "Suzy") was the youngest. Upon the birth, Agnes did not feel well, and Vera, one of Kathy's sisters, took a year off of school to care for her. Kathy grew up on the family grain farm near Medicine Lake, Mont., and helped take care of dairy cows, chickens, turkeys, a goat, and a pig. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, attending church on weekends, praying the rosary daily as a family and trusting in God. As a fifth grader, she taught CCD to children of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Medicine Lake. An avid reader, she was salutatorian of the Medicine Lake high school class, was editor of the yearbook, played drums in band and played organ at St. Patrick's Catholic church.

She met the love of her life at age 17 while studying for her associate degree in teaching at the college in Great Falls, Mont., when Maurice W. Driscoll was stationed there at Malmstrom Air Force Base. They dated for only one month before beginning a two-year courtship by U.S. mail, writing letters to each other once a week. Maurice was in a Woolworth's management training program and moved regularly. When he returned to Montana for a visit at the end of the two years, he brought an engagement ring. They had a two-year engagement so Kathy could fulfill a contract to teach elementary school in Fort Benton, Mont., and save for the wedding. To pass the time, they wrote letters daily and dressed up for weekly long-distance phone calls until they married on July 15, 1961, in Great Falls. The lovely bride was 21, and the handsome groom was 25.

They had five children in four years, including three boys (two of whom were 11 months apart) and a set of identical twin girls. Four were in diapers at the same time, and another of her sisters, Loyce, came to help the first month or so. The happy couple lived in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota during the early years of their marriage before settling down in Rochester. She kept on teaching 5-year-old children at St. Edward's church in Austin, MN, where the last of their children were born. When her own kids were in elementary school, she started a faith-based program for kids aged 4 and 5 in Brooklyn Park, MN - a program that's still going on today. She brought a marriage program to St. Cloud, MN, a couple years later. When their kids were in college, Kathy received a bachelor's degree from Viterbo College in LaCrosse, Wis., and launched a successful career in fundraising and development. She served as regional consultant for American Heart Association in Rochester and was promoted to Vice President of Development for the Minnesota Heart Association in the Twin Cities. She also worked as Director of Habitat for Humanity in Rochester.

She is survived by two sisters, Loyce Sebastian of Great Falls, Mont., and Janice Andrilenas of Alexandria, Va. Her parents and other seven siblings preceded her in death: Marion Kohut, Dora Carey, Vera Pilgeram, Charles Tax, Stanley Tax, Carol Aakhus and Patricia Grove. She is the beloved mother of John W. Driscoll and Wendy of Henderson, Minn.; David A. Driscoll of Seattle, Wash.; James R. Driscoll and Ria of Rochester, with grandchildren Christina and Zachary; Julia K. Breunig and Joe of Phoenix, Ariz., with grandchildren Jenna, Jack, and Katie; and Jennifer K. Driscoll and Steve Lundeen of Irving, Tex., with grandchildren Bill and Julia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (5455 50th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901) with Father Tom Loomis officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Pl. NW Rochester, MN 55901). Rosary will be at 4:30 pm. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Driscoll family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Ricky wrote on Apr 25, 2023:

"She was one of the nice lady and she will be dearly missed Ricky Anderson"

Jenna Breunig wrote on Apr 25, 2023:

"You could always count on Grandma for encouragement and a kind word. She lived a life full of love and compassion for others. I'll miss her calls full of funny stories, tales of decades past, and talks about the beautiful nature in her backyard. Grandma Kathy added so much warmth and color to the world. Jenna Breunig, granddaughter"

Lynda Bettencourt wrote on Apr 24, 2023:

"When I think about my Aunt Kathy I remember family trips from California to visit our Minnesota family. A visit to Uncle Mauri and Aunt Kathy?s home was always an event mainly because of all those little cousins. As the years went by and the miles between us grew we continued to feel close at heart. When my mom passed away Uncle Mauri and Aunt Kathy made the trip to California, and they were there to hold me up. I?ll not forget her big strong hug when I needed it most. She will continue to be close to my heart. Rest in Gods Love My Sweet Aunt Kathy , and Love to my Minnesota Family. Lynda Bettencourt , Modesto California"

Arlese G. IBAN wrote on Apr 23, 2023:

"Sending our condolences, love and prayers to James, Ria, Tina and Zach and the rest of the Driscolls. We share your pain and are here for you. ???? Mila Geneciran Ralph & Jaie Iban and family Chito & Leonor and family ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??"