Kathleen Whelan was born in Castletown-Bearhaven Co. Cork on Sept. 26th, 1909.  Kathleen was a “six-month” baby and was always considered “delicate”.  She was the third child of Jack and Mae Whelan.  She had five sisters – Elsie, Moira, Agnes, Alice and Carmel, and two brothers – Jack and Paddy.  Kathleen emigrated to America in April 1927 with her family where they lived at 32 Albany St. in Albany, NY.

Kathleen seems to be the only Whelan child born away from the care of her grandmother Lizzie who worked as a midwife in Hospital Co. Limerick.  This is likely due to Kathleen “arriving” prematurely while the family was on the remote Bere Peninsula Co. Cork where Jack was stationed while serving in the R.I.C.

Kathleen married Bill Nealon on July 16th, 1938 in Albany.  Kathleen and Bill had two sons – Jack and Bill.  Kathleen died on Dec. 29th, 2000 and is buried in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.