Kathleen Elizabeth Paren

Kathleen (“Kathy”) Elizabeth Paren, 101, died peacefully on March 11, 2026, in Carolina Meadows Retirement Community, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She was born in New York City on September 21, 1924, to Clara C. and James S. Kellard.

Kathleen graduated from Katharine Gibbs School in New York City. In 1946, her high school sweetheart, Raymond Joseph Paren, returned from WWII, and they married in 1948. Her executive secretarial skills, finishing school grooming, and gift of organizing would prove to be an important asset as a wife and mother. As Ray’s career rose to executive levels in the pharmaceutical industry requiring international travel to South Asia, Australia, the Philippines, and Brazil, Kathleen rose to challenges of caring for their two young sons, Drew Raymond and Brian James. Several times, she organized moves to cities abroad, selected homes for the family, and learned to speak a foreign language as well as navigate exotic and unfamiliar cultures. She successfully enrolled the boys into American School from kindergarten through grade 12. After graduation, both sons returned to the States to attend universities in North Carolina. Kathleen and Ray built a remarkable life in the seaside city of Rio De Janeiro, and treasured enduring memories of adventures and friendships spanning 15 years in Brazil.

In 1987, Kathleen and Ray retired to Fearrington Village in North Carolina. In this pastoral setting of bluebirds, Belted Galloways, and English gardens, Kathleen became active in her community and St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she loved visits and birthday celebrations with her family and grandchildren. Kathleen took pleasure hosting and attending dinner parties. No matter how modest a gift or deed, she was such an appreciative person. It was not unusual to receive a cheerful phone call from her the next day to offer a thank you, and always, a handwritten note followed to express her grateful heart. She had an abiding appreciation for art, especially watercolor, music, and literature, frequently attending bookstore author events and lectures. She enjoyed reading a novel and relaxing with a glass of wine in front of the fireplace. Kathleen and Ray made exciting return trips to Brazil and Australia, and delighted in their European river cruises. After 54 years of marriage, Ray passed away in 2002. Five years later, Kathleen moved to Carolina Meadows.

She found joy watching the birds, tending to African violets and geraniums, taking walks to enjoy nature, playing bridge and ladies golf. Each month, she looked forward to seeing her friends at the Winsome Widows luncheon. Her laughter was contagious, and her companions said they would laugh until tears streamed down their cheeks … such a merry heart. Kathleen had a well-kept secret. She had a good voice! She liked to sing along and hum to favorite songs by Frank Sinatra, show tunes, ballads, Christmas carols, and folk tunes. Her beautiful blue eyes lit up when she sang a favorite hymn, “Here I Am, Lord.”

Whether walking on the beach, visiting Pinehurst for a special luncheon or afternoon tea, or celebrating holidays with family and friends, she often expressed her gratitude for blessings and her dear ones. Kathleen relished peaceful moments to sit with a cup of tea and share heart-to-heart. She told spellbinding stories about her 14-year-old Irish grandmother boarding a ship alone in Ireland to brave the voyage to America. A longtime parishioner of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Chapel Hill, Kathleen’s charitable spirit shone as she supported the work of the Caring and Sharing Center.

As we reflect on Kathy’s life, we are reminded how her love, faith, fun nature, and generosity touched our lives. Her beloved memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; son, Drew; parents, Clara and James Kellard; and brother, James D. Kellard.

She is survived by her son, Brian (Barbara) Paren; daughter-in-law, Linda Paren; grandchildren, Joseph Raymond Paren (Tyler Kelley), Mary Kathleen (Sean) Palmateer.

Our loved one’s final resting place will be in the columbarium at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A memorial service will be held in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathleen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Center.