Kathleen Ann ‘Kitty’ Morton

OLEAN — Kathleen Ann “Kitty” Morton, 98, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday (April 3, 2026) with all seven of her children at her side.

Born Jan. 23, 1928, in Olean, she was the daughter of Mark and Frances LeStrange Hannon. On Aug. 27, 1951, at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Olean, she married Richard C. Morton, who predeceased her Jan. 25, 2012.

Kitty attended Olean High School and received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary of the Woods College in Indiana.

As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she took great pride in caring for her family and filling her home with love and unwavering support, even through her final days.

She enjoyed an active and joyful life filled with hobbies and community involvement. An avid bowler and bingo enthusiast, she was also a passionate sports fan, especially rooting for her Buffalo Bills and the Bonnies. Kitty rooted for her favorite teams — and usually had a friendly wager riding along with them!

She was especially known for her beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night,” which she sang each year at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve as a dedicated member of the choir at St. Mary of the Angels church. She also gave back to her community through her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, reflecting her generous and caring spirit.

Surviving are her seven children, Kathleen (Luis) Figueroa of Tucson, Ariz., Margaret (Richard) Smith of Olean, John (Colleen Taggerty) Morton of Olean, Richard (Julie) Morton Jr. of Olean, Thomas (Patricia) Morton of Olean, Christopher Morton of Olean and Ann McCann of Rockledge, Fla.; 12 devoted grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her three brothers, Mark Hannon, Richard Hannon and James Hannon; a sister-in-law, Mary Spencer; a son-in-law, Jeffrey McCann; and a granddaughter, Andrea Celeste Morton.

Friends will be received from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday (April 11, 2026) at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. David Tourville as the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Association of the Miraculous Medal, 1811 W. Saint Joseph St., Perryville, MO 63775; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are with the Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.