Kate Walsh O'Beirne

1949 - 2017

Kate Walsh O'Beirne obituary, 1949-2017, Mclean, VA

BORN

1949

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Murphy Funeral Homes

1102 West Broad Street

Falls Church, Virginia

Kate O'Beirne Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 24, 2017.

Kate Walsh O'Beirne, 67, of McLean, Virginia, died of cancer on April 23, 2017, Divine Mercy Sunday, at Georgetown University Hospital.

She was born on Sept. 23, 1949, to Matthew and Catharine (Rice) Walsh. Her father was the owner of Jimmy Ryan's Dixieland Jazz Club in Manhattan and she grew up in a loving Catholic home in Manhasset, New York.

At St. Mary's High School in Manhasset, she was voted class president and "most likely to succeed." After being graduated from Good Counsel College in White Plains, New York, she went to work for the office of Senator James Buckley. On December 20, 1975, she married Army Captain James O'Beirne.

In 1976, she was graduated from St. John's University School of Law. Over the next ten years, she lived in Carmel, California; Garmisch, Germany; West Point, New York; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

In 1986, President Reagan nominated her to be deputy assistant secretary for legislation at the Department of Health and Human Services. After the Reagan administration ended she became deputy director of domestic-policy studies and then vice president for government relations at the Heritage Foundation. During her years at Heritage she also served on the President's Commission on Women in the Armed Services as an appointee of President George H. W. Bush.

In 1995, she became Washington editor of National Review. She wrote the magazine's "Bread and Circuses" column. She also appeared regularly on CNN's "Capital Gang" political-discussion show. She wrote the New York Times best-seller Women Who Make the World Worse: And How Their Radical Feminist Assault is Ruining Our Schools, Families, Military, and Sports. From 2006 to 2012 she was president of the National Review Institute, a non-profit affiliated with the magazine. In semi-retirement she was a policy advisor to the Conservative Reform Network.

She is survived by her husband James; sisters Mary Ann Rowan, Virginia Rowell, and Rosemary Walsh; sons Philip and John; daughter-in-law Kathleen; and grandchildren Charlotte, Henry, Maeve, and Linus.

In lieu of flowers, Kate's family asks that contributions be made to Oakcrest School, an independent school for girls committed to the education and formation of women leaders of character and faith.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday April 28, at 1:30pm at the Cathedral of
St. Thomas More., in Arlington, VA.

(Parking is limited at the Cathedral. Please carpool and give priority to older guests and family. Two shuttle buses have been provided by the family from Ballston Mall to the Cathedral, running continuously from 12:00pm-5pm. This is one mile away and six minute ride. Park anywhere in the garage. The shuttle pick up location is the corner of 5th road and N. Randolph Street. It is suggested to please carpool, use the shuttle or taxi/uber.)

A Visitation will be held on Thursday April 27, from 3:00pm until 9:00pm at Murphy's Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

February 23, 2018

Dave Schnabel

Jim,
Kate was a great one. She will be missed.

June 25, 2017

tim cleary

I enjoyed watching Kate on National Revue she was a brilliant& excellent debateor

May 7, 2017

Richard Mastio

Dear James, Your dear wife will be missed by tens of thousands of individuals, including us, my wife Susan and I. She helped my son David, and you and she helped me with my son-in-law Michael Caldwell many years ago. For that we are eternally grateful and will remember you and her with a fond and loving remembrance. We send you our condolences and kind thoughts. Richard & Susan Mastio, Laramie, WY

April 30, 2017

Dr. Robert Constable

Jim, Both Kate and you are in my prayers. I loved watching Kate and everything she stood for, and we worked by phone for many years on the NCCB Lithuania Project, but I never connected the two of you until just now.
I add both of you to my prayer list.
Robert Constable

April 29, 2017

Edward O'Beirne

I had the wonderful experience of sharing sun, wind, stars, and laughter on a Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Century with (distant) cousin Jim, Kate, Phil, and John. I recall with immense fondness and respect Jim's quiet gentlemanliness and strength, both boys' politeness and maturity, and, most memorably, Kate's sense of humor and her twinkling eyes, which were beautiful windows to an intensely brilliant mind and a serenely special soul. I was fortunate to call all of the O'Beirnes "friend" for far too brief a time. How lucky were the boys to call her Mother; how blessed was General O'Beirne to call her Bride; how gifted was this nation to have her incisive insight and enduring hope!

Edward N. O'Beirne III

April 29, 2017

Edmund Waldron

I began my odyssey with Kate at St. John's Law School in September 1973. Out of the blue, she came up to me and began a wonderful conversation, as if she knew me all our lives. It turned out she knew my uncle was a NY state senator, and naturally gravitated to people grounded in politics. Over the next three years, I believe we continued to enjoy each other's company. After graduation, we went our separate ways, but I never lost shight of her burgeoning career in TV and journalism, and remained an avid reader of her work. Kate was truly a remarkable woman, and my wife Donna and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to her husband, children and family at this most difficult time. Kate, may you have been in heaven half an hour before the devil knew you had died.

April 28, 2017

Ct Thomas

You are on the arms of our loving Lord. How much he loves you. Blessings to all York family.

April 28, 2017

Hilary Kurtz

Kate, my memories of you will never fade and I will cherish having known you and the unique beautiful woman that you will always be in my heart. My love and prayers go out to your whole family, your many friends, and all who you touched with your insight and generosity. May God bless your family and may you rest knowing you are so dearly missed and loved for who you are.

April 27, 2017

Pat McGarry Bearden

Kate you are always in my memories of St Mary's. Today you are home with God. May God bless your family

April 27, 2017

Beverly Kenny

Sincere condolences, most especially to her sisters. Knew her only through TV in her many appearances. PRAYERS to all who knew and loved her.

April 27, 2017

David Norcross

One of a kind and irreplaceable. Her wit and wisdom will not soon see an equal.

April 27, 2017

claudia barlow

Kate, you gave this country what it needs most...intelligence, wit, and dignity. You will be dearly missed and well remembered.

April 26, 2017

Tom and Donna Curtin

Jim, Philip, John, Mary Ann, Virginia and Rosemary:

Please accept our sympathies for your loss. Kate is a treasure and her words will be a tribute to her life, loves, and family.

April 26, 2017

Barbara Foscato

Kate, she was such a good friend growing up in Manhasset, we had some good adventures together.....RiP dear friend....Maryann, Ginny and Rosemary, my thoughts and love are with you all

April 26, 2017

Ellen Pistana

Dear Jim & Family,
Gone Too Soon! I was shocked to wake up and read the news about Kate. Kate was without a doubt a remarkable woman . Kate was smart, funny, beautiful inside and out, loyal, courageous, caring, and loving. Kate was a treasure! Her smile, her voice, her laughter, her memories will live on in my heart forever. Until we meet again, May God hold the O' Beirne family ,and the Walsh sisters in the palm of His hand. Kate, Rest In Peace. All my love and prayers.

April 26, 2017

Friend

Mary Meade Jividen

Kate, like her beloved sisters, brought that wondrous lilt of Irish laughter to every place she went. More importantly, Kate lived her love of Christ and her convictions about the gift of Freedom in such loving and welcoming ways that witnessed always to truth, beauty and goodness. My heartfelt sympathies go in particular to her husband, Jim, and their sons, as well as to her very special sisters. May God console you all with the sure faith that Kate will be interceding for you ceaselessly from eternity and the sure knowledge that you will indeed see each other again. God bless you all. Mary Meade Jividen

April 26, 2017

Brad O'Brien

Kate, my middle daughter is a Kate (at least her middle name). We didn't name her after you but now I will likely lie and say we did. I have been a long time fan of NR and all who have helped it take control of conservatism and provide direction for it thru the recent electoral tumult(s) have my highest admiration. I am a veteran and my hat is off to you and all the spouses of the armed forces. May our Lord comfort your husband and children

April 26, 2017

Rich Cooper

My wife Lisa and I long enjoyed Kate's wit, insight and wisdom for years and while never having the pleasure of getting to know Kate personally, we have been touched by her life through her son, John who has been a wonderful mentor to our son Zachary and the other young men at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School where he has served as a soccer and lacrosse coach. Kate's example of leadership are evident in John and we are fortunate to have that grace and strength in our lives. My family's thoughts and prayers are with all of the O'Beirne and Walsh families during this sad time.

April 25, 2017

Kim Libera

from viewer Kim Libera, CT
I loved her on The Capital Gang-that was my favorite show. She did great analysis.

April 25, 2017

Chris & Kathryn Fortier

We have known Kate and Jim many years while traveling with NR and really enjoyed spending time with Kate. Kate was always so gracious and one of the nicest person we knew. She was so unpretentious and always welcoming. Our prayers go out to all who had their lives touched by Kate. Kate was just one of those special people who crosses your path and makes your life better and more enriched.

April 25, 2017

Cal Thomas

You were smart, beautiful, funny and one whom I greatly admired. I loved our conversations at George Will's house and on cruises. I loved meeting your wonderful sisters. I always enjoyed your writings and the insights they contained.We shall meet again. Rest in the arms of God.

April 25, 2017

Joan & Jack Caldwell

Dear Jim, Philip and John,

Such a shock to read about Kate's death in the New York Times this morning. Our memories of the Walsh family when Kay and Matt moved to Annapolis are full of joy and laughter. All the "Walsh" girls were frequent visitors to their parent's home and we enjoyed being with them on many occasions. We followed Kate's career on television and thought of all of you often. Our prayers are with you today. Our faith tells us that Kate is now sharing the joys of heaven where we all hope to be one day.

April 24, 2017

Mike Ennis

Jim, Phillip and John,
It has been said that you can go through life meeting hundreds of people and not remember their names, but can meet one who changes your life forever. How could anyone, after meeting Kate, not remember her forever. The kindest, most gracious, and most intelligent woman one could ever hope to know. The sadness in losing her must in someway be compensated for your good fortune in having her as your wife and mother for so many years. You are so blessed. She will be missed.

April 24, 2017

Louise Kealey Minneman

Dear Jim, I was so surprised to learn today of Kate's death. My memories are filled with the good times we had together in GaPa and then back at the Castle and your lovely home " inside the Beltway", as Kate would say, tomgue in cheek. I know you will be lost without her. My prayers are with you. Much love, Louise

April 24, 2017

P Rodriguez

Our sincere condolences.
"Like a man whom his own mother keeps comforting, so I myself shall keep comforting you people ". Isaiah 66:13

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