Kathleen E. O’Shea Fund

Kathy O’Shea loved dance and theater. When she took her final bow in 2012, her husband, John, honored her memory with the creation of the Kathleen E. O’Shea Fund to support the arts in Marion – specifically live theater and dance performances.

Kathy passed at age 69, having fought an 18-year battle with cancer. A retired school teacher, she was an alumna of Marion Catholic High School, Ohio Dominican University, and The Ohio State University. Both she and John were active with St. Mary Church in Marion. The couple has four adult daughters, Molly, Katie, Erin, and Bridget.

Kathy loved tennis, dance, and performing at the Marion Palace Theatre, as well as directing plays at the couple’s winter home in Florida.

Kathy’s fund, started by her family, has received gifts from numerous friends and family all across the country. In 2017, prior to his passing, John included a substantial planned gift to Kathy’s endowment fund, ensuring that it will continue to grow and generously support the arts Kathy so dearly loved. It annually provides support to all Marion area middle and high schools who put on musical productions.