Kathryn Minogue

BIOGRAPHY

Kathryn Minogue was born in Hampton, New York, USA, on 29 January 1884, to parents Thomas Lawrence O’Brien (1858–1939) and Mary McGrath (1857–1943). Her parents were Irish immigrants. She was one of ten children, and her siblings included Mary Eliza O’Brien (1888–1891), Alice “Ali” Class (1896–1994), and Thomas George “Timmy” O’Brien (1898–1957). She grew up in Granville, Washington County. Coming from a modest family, even in her later life Minogue fondly remembered the simple joys of Christmas—attending church services and singing carols. One of her most cherished childhood gifts was a china doll, which she received when she was about 10. Her father worked in slate mines before moving the family to Albany for a job on the railroad.

She attended school until the seventh grade before entering the workforce. Her first job was at a shirt factory in Granville, followed by work at a glove factory in Gloversville, earning around $3 per week.

On 3 July 1916, at 32, she married John R. Minogue (1878–1931). The couple had no children. Throughout her life, she worked as a domestic worker and in factories.

In her 90s, she relocated to Our Lady of Hope in Latham, where, at 106, she lived together with her 96-year-old sister, Bess Gardephe. They had another living sister, Alice Class, aged 92. Known for her sharp wit and engaging personality, she was described as an active and curious thinker, even into her later years. She continued to vote by absentee ballot and remained interested in current events, once inquiring about the Clarence Thomas hearings.

At 109, it was reported that she remained engaged with daily activities, attending Mass, listening to the radio, watching television, and participating in therapy and floor meetings. Though she had some vision loss in one eye due to an unsuccessful surgery, her hearing remained good.

Minogue attributed her longevity to good health and a simple approach to life. She believed that modern generations experience too much stress and advised that those wishing to live long should “slow down.”

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg, Jason K., and Stefan Maglov, and validated by LongeviQuest on 3 March 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* The Daily Gazette, 23 December 1990

* Times-Union, 30 January 1992

* Times-Union, 28 January 1993

* Kathryn O’Brien Minogue – Find A Grave

GALLERY

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