Obituary for Katherine Nythar (Katherine) Kalere Sheehy Passed away April 1, 2018 on Resurrection Sunday. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert Patrick Sheehy and Mae Daniels Sheehy, brother John Patrick Sheehy and nephew Christopher Robert Halle. Survived by sisters Theresa Sheehy, Michelle Halle (Earl), Sharmaine Wittsack (Lyle), Colleen Sheehy (Peter Murphy), brothers Francis and James Sheehy (Leah), sister-in-law Kathleen Sheehy, many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Nythar was a graduate of St. Margaret’s Academy and the University of Minnesota. She was a free spirit who faced many challenges in life with indomitable courage, an example to all. She was a poet, musician, singer, dancer and performer.
Though small of stature, she knew how to make her voice heard, and she spent a lifetime determinedly fighting for the rights and recognition of the marginalized. She was a force to be reckoned with and the life of every party. She saw light and love in everyone, and delighted in making people laugh.
She was known for her glamour and creative dress. She wore many hats, often at the same time. She loved animals and all creatures.
Nythar was a pioneer and a visionary and a woman of many accomplishments. Early on, she was instrumental in the fight to eliminate segregation in newspaper want ads that were divided into “Jobs for Men” or “Jobs for Women”. Because she had Turner’s syndrome, she testified at the Minnesota legislature regarding nuclear power and genetic mutations and participated in breakthrough diabetes studies at the University of Minnesota.
The DFL party honored her with a special commendation for her volunteerism and activism. She had a strong Catholic faith, but admired other religions and cultures. She was inspired by Native American culture and studied the Ojibwe language.
She danced her heart out at powwows. She was a longtime companion to her mother. Nythar was proud of her ancestral roots harkening back to Ireland’s Sheehy Mountains and the “fierce fighters” who came from there.
It was a story she told often. She herself was the sweetest Irish rose there ever was. Visitation 5-8pm Friday, April 6, at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th Street, Edina.
Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am, Saturday, April 7, at Church of the Incarnation, 3817 Pleasant Ave S, Mpls. Memorials to St. Stephen’s Human Services, 2309 Nicollet Avenue, Mpls. www.
washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 Previous Events Visitation 2018 APR 6. 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM Edina Chapel 5000 West 50th & Highway 100 Edina, MN, US, 55436 church service 2018 APR 7.
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