Obituary of Kathleen M. Mulhern

Kathleen Margaret Mulhern of Manhattan, New York passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. She was born in Andover, Massachusetts on September 6, 1969 to Thomas Andrew and Donna Marie Mulhern. The eldest of four children and eleven grandchildren, Kathleen was a gentle soul—reserved, introspective, and quietly brilliant. During childhood days spent under the care of her beloved grandmother, while her lively siblings and cousins were encouraged to play outside, Kathleen could often be found tucked away with a book, content in her own thoughtful world.

It follows suit that after attending St. Eugene’s grammar school in Yonkers, New York, Kathleen was named Valedictorian of Maria Regina High School’s class of 1987. Graceful and understated, she was often the smartest person in the room and the most unassuming. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature/Public Policy from the University of Notre Dame (‘92) with Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa distinction. Having then been awarded the prestigious Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship to fully fund her future studies, she went on to earn a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Reading in England.

Kathleen lived in England, France, and Italy, and traveled extensively to far corners of the world. Never one for tourist traps, she went off the beaten path, immersing herself deeply in local culture, especially through her educational pursuits. A gifted linguist, she used travel not just to explore, but to refine her skills in multiple languages, embracing each destination with curiosity, humility, and an adventurous spirit.

Kathleen was a naturally gifted artist who combined her creativity and intellect in a long and dynamic career as an executive marketing professional, working across such industries as wine and spirits, retail, jewelry, hospitality, healthcare, consumer packaged goods, and fintech. Known for her unwavering work ethic and meticulous attention to detail, she brought discipline, precision, and heart to everything she did. She co-founded ThunderHouse LLC, where she led brand strategy and creative campaigns for clients such as Gabriel & Co., Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, and Anitanja Jewelry. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at McCann-Erickson, where she helped launch Tiffany & Co.’s first website and contributed to major campaigns for L’Oréal, Lucent Technologies, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, among others. 

Manhattan’s cultural scene served as the perfect backdrop and home base for Kathleen, offering her endless opportunities to indulge her love of live music and dancing, theatre and ballet, art and design, and all things health and wellness. Kathleen was naturally stunning, with a personal style that reflected the very essence of Manhattanite culture. She created a beautiful home on the Upper East Side—her haven for over 26 years. Her apartment mirrored her elegance: timeless, serene, and impeccably kept. There, she lovingly cared for her dachshunds Maggie, Molly, and Angelica; frequented her favorite neighborhood bistros; cherished time with her dear friends Karen, Karyn, and Natalia; and hosted 6 a.m. virtual workouts for her sisters, always with a focus on the mind-body-spirit connection. When Kathleen committed to something, she dove deep–what began as a personal practice blossomed into a devoted calling, leading her to pursue certification as a Holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. These passions reflected her contemplative and sensitive spirit—uniquely complemented by an infectious giggle and a sparkle in her eye whenever she spoke of something, or someone, she loved.

Her life was enriched by her family and friends, each of whom she touched with her beautiful, open, and generous heart. Kathleen was deeply loved by her parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends. She will be with us always.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Kathleen to be held on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who wish to attend the mass virtually may do so by visiting www.svmnj.org

Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Kathleen's memory to The Bowery Mission, 27 Bowery, New York, NY 10002 or to the St. Francis Friends of the Poor, 155 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10011.