Kathryn Agnes Battaglino (Cavanaugh) of Binghamton, New York, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Kay was predeceased by her husband, Mike; her parents, Floyd R. Cavanaugh and Irma E. Cavanaugh; her grandmother, Kathryn Rielley; her brother, Robert C. Cavanaugh; her brother-in-law, John "Jack" Powers; and her son-in-law, William J. MohanJr.

Kay is survived by her six children: John Battaglino; Beth Battaglino and her husband Joe Cahill; Kathleen Salamida and her husband, Sam; Kristine Battaglino; Paul Battaglino and his wife Tammy; and Kara Mohan. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Anthony and Kate Salamida; John and Tara Battaglino; and Conor Cahill and Michele Monserrate Doolan, her beloved "fifth daughter," who has always been part of this family in every way that matters.

She leaves behind her loving sisters, Elizabeth Cavanaugh Rapasadi, and her husband, Sam; her sister Mary Lou Cavanaugh Powers, sister-in-law, Karen M. Cavanaugh; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Kay was born in Binghamton, New York, and raised on the West Side in a very close-knit family. Her parents, Irma and Floyd, owned and operated Cavanaugh's neighborhood grocery store, where Kay spent much of her childhood helping out behind the counter. It was there that she came to know the people who would become lifelong neighbors and friends. Even at a young age, her warmth and genuine kindness stood out, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met—an early reflection of the natural way she would connect with others throughout her life.

Kay's greatest gift to the world was the way she cared for others, with warmth, dignity, and deep, unwavering respect. She never lost sight of people. Friends, neighbors, young and old, anyone in need of a steady hand or a place to belong found their way to her. She had a quiet way of noticing those who might otherwise be overlooked, and she met each person with a sincerity that made them feel truly seen, valued, and right at home.

Caring for others wasn't something Kay set out to do; it was simply who she was. She gave of herself freely and often quietly, opening her home to anyone drawn to the loving, crazy, chaotic spirit of Park Street. There was always room for one more at the table, and somehow, she made it all work. With grace, humor, she created a sense of family wherever she was, and for many, she became one.

A proud graduate of St. Patrick's High School, Class of 1956, Kay went on to attend Nazareth College in Rochester, NY where she majored in Social Work. Her faith remained a steady and meaningful presence throughout her life as a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Church.

As beautiful as she was kind, Kay had a smile that could light up any room. She carried herself with a natural grace and effortless sense of style that was uniquely her own. During and after college, she modeled for B. Forman Co. and A. Murphy Drazen's City of Fashion, where her elegance and poise made her a stand out.

Kay was known for her hats and wore them throughout her life, a signature that became unmistakably her own.

Kay's impeccable style was more than a matter of fashion—it was a reflection of the joy, pride, and spirit she carried with her throughout her life.

Kay married the love of her life, Michael T. Battaglino, whom she met after Mass one morning at St. Patrick's. Together they shared fifty wonderful years of marriage and built a home filled with energy, lots of laughter, and the joyful chaos for raising six children.

Kay thrived at the center of it all, guiding her family with love, strength, and unwavering care.

Kay was a devoted and enthusiastic supporter of her children's and grandchildren's athletic and academic pursuits, treasuring those moments above all. She traveled far and wide to be there and rarely missed a game–cowbell in hand, her cheers impossible to miss.

She was always the first to volunteer and the person everyone hoped would be on their committee, going above and beyond to ensure every event from fundraiser to award banquets was thoughtful, successful, and often under budget thanks to her gift for rallying donations. Whether on the sideline, organizing carpools, or helping at school and church events, Kay showed up with positivity, energy, and a spirit that lifted everyone around her.

She loved summers at the beaches in Maryland, New Jersey and Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, and treasured the memories made at Quaker Lake, where all six of her children perfected their freestyle stroke. She enjoyed college basketball, especially the excitement of March Madness. In the summer, you could count on her cheering for the New York Yankees, and in the fall, she never missed a chance to root for Notre Dame Fighting Irish football.

She also found joy in daily walks, great meals, and ending the day with a perfect Manhattan.

Kay will be remembered for warmth, quiet strength, and the unconditional love she shared so effortlessly, Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and in the many lives she touched.

She had a gentle way of easing life's harder moments and making the joyful ones even brighter, her presence didn't just fill a room, it lifted it.

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

— Maya Angelou

A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Oak and Leroy Streets, Binghamton, Friday April 24, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at St. Patrick's Church, Friday April 24 from 3 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. The Mass will be live streamed at www.sta-sp.org

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Kathryn Battaglino may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.