Kathleen M. Dwyer, a lifelong educator, woman of deep faith, and lover of the arts, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026 at the age of 75.

Kathleen dedicated her life to the cultivation of the mind and the spirit. A passionate educator, she spent decades guiding, inspiring, and championing her students. She served for many years as the esteemed Principal of Seton Catholic Central High School, where she left an indelible mark on generations of young lives and families within the community. Later in her career, Kathleen beautifully realized a lifelong dream by transitioning to higher education, becoming a beloved college professor at SUNY Oneonta.

Beyond her profound commitment to academia, Kathleen was a woman of vibrant intellect and exceptional taste. She possessed an enduring love for classic literature—finding inspiration in the works of William Shakespeare, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. An avid fan of Broadway, she delighted in live theater and was known by all for her impeccable sense of fashion.

A devout Catholic, Kathleen's life was anchored by her unwavering faith, which guided her kindness, leadership, and her generosity toward others.

Kathleen's greatest joy, however, was her family. She is survived by her devoted brothers and sister-in-law, Timothy Dwyer and his wife, Marjorie Hibbard Dwyer, and Joseph Dwyer. She was the cherished aunt of her niece, Christine Dwyer, and her nephew, Kent Dwyer and his wife, Christine Gimpel Dwyer. Her love and wisdom will also be deeply missed by her beloved great-nephew, Bryce, and great-niece, Shaelyn, as well as a large circle of extended family, former students, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11 a.m.at St Francis Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Chenango Street, Hillcrest. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, Penn Yan. The family will receive friends at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Friday July 10 from 9:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be symbols of Kathleen's passions, made to Donate Life America or Habitat for Humanity.