Obituary of Kathleen Ann Breen

Kathleen Ann Breen (Kathy Flores) of Almond, North Carolina passed peacefully into God’s arms on Monday, September 16, 2024 at the age of 74. She lived her life to the fullest and will forever occupy the hearts of those she met. To the world, she was a loving and selfless daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, but to her family and friends she was their world. Kathy was born on December 31, 1949 in Youngstown, Ohio. The daughter of Tom and Kathleen Flores, she was the oldest of their five children. Basically a mother from birth, Kathy strived to take care of her siblings, always placing their needs before her own, which carried on with her throughout her entire life. Both family and faith oriented, she was easy-going and well-liked, friendly, and caring. Graduating from Florida State University in 1971, Kathy started her professional career as a high school algebra teacher. She met and married the love of her life, Richard Breen, on September 6, 1969. Rick and Kathy had two beautiful children together, Michael and Megan. After Megan was born, Rick and Kathy moved to Houston, Texas with the federal government and then settled in Powder Springs, Georgia. At that point, Kathy decided to give up her career to raise her children instead. She was always one to give of her time and talent. A beautifully artistic oil painter and talented home cook, Kathy was also heavily involved with her church, St. John Vianney, and soon discovered one of her first passions, advocacy for the mentally ill. She volunteered with several organizations serving various leadership roles that supported this cause, including: NAMI (National Alliance on Mentally Illness), GAO (Georgia Advocacy Office), Georgia Mental Health Services Coalition/Behavioral Health Services Coalition, Cobb Community Collaborative, Cobb Faith Partnership, Cobb Human Services Coalition, and the Cobb County Extension Service. Because of her fighting spirit and willingness to stand up for a cause that was often disregarded, she was awarded the 2008 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Heart in Hand Volunteer of the Year, the 2013 Cobb Women Volunteer of the Year, and Sweetwater AARP Power of One Award. She was also a Jack Vaughan nominee and selected as the South Cobb Citizen of the Year in 2014. But for Kathy, it was never the recognition that was her goal, it was the desire to see change enacted. And, she was definitely one to never give up. Her actions changed the course for mental health advocacy at both the state and national levels. Kathy became a mother-in-law in 2005, welcoming a new son, Kevin (Megan’s husband), into her life. And, in 2010 she greeted her first granddaughter, Ansley, and four years later in 2014, she embraced her second granddaughter, Ella. Kathy’s family meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment with them. In 2014, Kathy and Rick, along with their son Mike, found their dream retirement property in Almond, North Carolina within the Great Smoky Mountains. She finally got her peaceful mountain views, cooler temperatures, and babbling brook. An animal lover all her life, she welcomed pet chickens for the first time alongside her dogs. Kathy loved to watch the birds from her window, especially the cardinals. She quickly became involved with her church, St. Joseph’s, as she has always been strong in her faith. Kathy was never one to give up the opportunity to serve the Lord with the talents He bestowed upon her. Kathy and Rick recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary together; they shared a beautiful moment that certainly will stay with the both of them forever. Kathy accomplished all that God had set out for her to do. She made an impact on so many and will live on in the lives of those that are still with us today. Proceeding Kathy in death include: Kathleen Flores (mother); Tim Flores (brother); Tom Flores (father); and Mike Flores (brother). Surviving family members include: Rick Breen (husband); Patti Webster (sister); Allen Flores (brother); Mike Breen (son); Megan Sparger (daughter); Kevin Sparger (son-in-law); Ansley Sparger (granddaughter); Ella Sparger (granddaughter); Elizabeth Mazzoni (niece); Justin Flores (nephew); Sacha Bradley (niece); Anthony Webster (nephew); Chris Flores (nephew); Christina Ross (niece); Thomas Webster (nephew); and William Webster (nephew). She will also be held close by numerous friends. There will be a Rosary Service from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City, North Carolina for those wishing to pay their respects. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bryson City, North Carolina on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. A graveside service will immediately follow at Swain Memorial Park in Bryson City, North Carolina. All are also invited back to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for a repast hosted by the women of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kathy’s honor to the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Center in Franklin, North Carolina. As she was an advocate for mental health early on, she later strongly became an advocate for others without a voice. She faithfully believed that all of God’s children are created with a purpose; they simply have to be given the chance. Kathy would not want anyone to mourn her loss, but to continue to live their lives. You can never truly forget someone who has given you so much to remember. She loved everyone unconditionally to her very last breath. Quoting one of Kathy’s favorite authors: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Her eternal satisfaction will arise in her ability to look down on us all and simply see us living. Donations in Kathy's Memory can be made to Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center, please follow link on the side of the page to make a contribution Donations can also be mailed to: Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Center 226 E. Palmer St. Franklin, NC 28734