Her family leaves no doubt that even at age 97, Kathleen Hannon Morton, affectionally known as Kitty, would have attended her major milestone reunion this past weekend — had she thought of it.

When she realized it was her 80th Olean High School reunion year, she marveled and asked family members, “I wonder if I’m the only one still around?”

Indeed, the family says it is not certain if she is the sole survivor of the Class of 1945, and she would love to know if any class members are still living. The opportunity to reunite with any of her classmates would be special for her.

A lifelong resident of Olean, Kitty is well-known for her spirited personality, joyful laugh and welcoming nature. Once you meet Kitty, friends and family say, you will not forget her, and she will not forget you, either.

Her memory serves her like the bright high school graduate she was in ’45. An active and involved student, Kitty was a member of the Classical Club, the Wayside Service Club, Debating Club, Glee Club, “We the Students,” varsity cheerleading and she performed in the senior play.

The only daughter of the late Mark J. Hannon — he was the president of Olean Trust Co. — and Naoma LaStrange Hannon, Kitty went on to earn a four-year college degree, joining  her three older brothers in that achievement. She attended Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a private Roman Catholic institution in Indiana, to become a licensed dietitian.

After graduating and interning in New York City, Kitty returned to her beloved hometown of Olean to be back among family and friends. She worked at Olean General Hospital as a dietitian and was a prominent member of the St. Mary of the Angels Church choir for many years.

Kitty went on to raise seven children with her late husband, Richard C. Morton, former superintendent of mails at the Olean Post Office.

A life well lived, in a town well loved, by an OHS grad who still makes everyone smile, 80 years later.