Kathleen Ryan McCullough

Kathleen Ryan McCullough, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on June 24, 2026, surrounded by her devoted husband and three loving daughters. She was 82 years old.

Kathleen was born in the Inwood neighborhood of New York City to Joseph and Eileen Ryan. She attended Good Shepherd School and the Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary. At the age of 23, she married James McCullough, the love of her life since they were just 15 years old. Together they built a beautiful life, moving to Bardonia, New York, in Rockland County, where they raised their three daughters.

After dedicating herself to her family, Kathleen found great fulfillment working as a behavioral therapist assistant with children and supporting adults with special needs. She had a generous spirit and devoted countless hours to volunteering at St. Anthony's Church, where she was active with youth groups, Girl Scouts, classroom activities, and coaching basketball.

Kathleen embraced life with warmth, enthusiasm, and an open heart. As their family grew to include grandchildren, she and Jim moved to Sugar Loaf, New York, and began splitting their time between New York and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. She cherished life at the beach, especially driving with the top down and welcoming family and friends into her home. In South Carolina, she continued her lifelong commitment to service through volunteer work at St. Michael's Church and Help 4 Kids. In retirement, she enjoyed her book club, lively games of mahjong with friends, and long conversations over a glass of wine.

Above all, Kathleen's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend whose kindness, generosity, and welcoming nature touched everyone who knew her. Her eleven grandchildren were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Kathleen is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, James McCullough; her daughters, Eileen Egan, Jamie (Dave) Evans, and Julie (Tom) Harrington; her cherished grandchildren, Dermot (Nikole), Brendan, Kayleigh, Fiona, Lindsay, Courtney, Natalie, Douglas, Aisling, Ceilagh, and Seamus; her sister, Sheila (Raymond) Ryan and her brother, Kevin Ryan. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Eileen Ryan, and her sister, Maureen McGuire.

Kathleen's legacy of love, generosity, faith, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Kathleen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Help 4 Kids (Myrtle Beach).

Mass of Christian Bural will be held on Thursday July 9, 2026, at 10am at St. Michael Catholic Church 542 Cypress Ave Murrells Inlet SC, 29576

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.