Kathleen Korner McGregor

Kathleen Korner McGregor, born August 15, 1944, died peacefully on Saturday December 30, 2023. Wife of the late Dr. Howard H. McGregor, Jr for 50 years. Daughter of the late Theodore Edward Korner, Sr and Ena Bourg Korner.

She is survived by her sons Howard H. “Scotty” McGregor, III (Vicki), Theodore Hunter McGregor and James Wilson McGregor; her granddaughter Camryn Alexis McGregor; her brother Theodore Edward “Sonny” Korner, Jr; her niece Emily Eyles Riddle (Adam) and nephews George Mark McGregor, Jr (Brittany), Cooper William McGregor (Elise) and Ralph Roger Eyles. Also survived by a score of loving cousins and friends.

Kathleen was born in New Orleans and graduated from Mount Carmel Academy, Loyola University and LSU School of Dentistry after which she worked as a dental hygienist for many years. But her true calling was service, following in the footsteps left by her mother Ena and mother-in-law Peggy.

She served as a member and in many cases president of the East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary, St Michael Special School, Metairie Woman’s Club, St Elizabeth’s Guild, St Vincent’s Guild, Heart Ambassadors, Cancer Crusaders, and Ladies Leukemia League. Or as she simply and affectionately called them, “her saints and diseases.” She received the Great Lady Award from the EJGH Hospital Auxiliary and the Outstanding Woman Award from Metairie Woman’s Club. And undoubtedly many others that her sons have forgotten (we’re doing our best).

She was a devoted member of the Red Hat Society, affiliated with several chapters as a Queen Bee. She was also a longtime member of the Krewe of Iris, and active in chairing/hosting events for WLAE-TV, Jesuit High School, Christian Brothers School, Louisiana Nature Center, and see above.

Kathleen led a strong and impactful life, but no doubt her greatest feat was overcoming Stage 4 esophageal cancer in 2007/2008. She was given a less than 5% chance of survival and per usual, ignored the hell out of that. Her treatment was successful but also incredibly aggressive, which led to an unbelievable 15 year run of chronic illnesses, major surgeries, stents, pacemakers and plenty other fun. Like everything else, she faced it head on and never (well, seldom) complained. Every bit of that 15 years was lagniappe for her and for us. It hurts to see her go, but it gives tremendous comfort that we had her around so much longer than anyone could have expected. She bravely took advantage of her extra time and had wonderful adventures and experiences that were just unimaginable to everyone but her.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Nola Home Care and St Joseph Hospice for the care and comfort they provided, as well as the many friends and family who visited Mom over her last few weeks. All were genuinely amazed at her peace, certainty and lack of fear or hesitation about the outcome she faced. She kept smiling and joking to the end and acted as a pillar of strength for us in such a tough time. And as in life, she did it 100% her way at the end. We should all be so lucky.

Services will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave in New Orleans, on Friday January 12th. Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm with a Mass to follow. The family will hold a private interment at The Saint Joseph Abbey Cemetery in Covington at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WiBoGiving, benefitting Ochsner for Children, in memory of her grandnephew Everett Mark “WiBo” McGregor.