Kathryn Hafner Agnew

Kathryn Hafner Agnew, 76, Thursday, September 23, 2022 passed away at her daughter's home after a lengthy battle with cancer and metastatic disease. Kay lived a full and meaningful life, with a loving family and a broad circle of cherished friends. She was a loving mother and wife, faithful friend, dedicated teacher, and was known by all for her boundless enthusiasm, contagious smile, and effervescent personality.

A memorial mass will be held 4:00 PM Friday, September 30, 2022 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2000 Kay Circle, Columbus, GA. The Beaudoin and Agnew families will greet friends in St. Anne Visitation Hall immediately following the service. A rosary  will be held 5:00 pm with a visitation until 6:30pm Thursday, September 29, 2022 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907

Kay was born in Brunswick, GA and has always held a love for the Golden Isles in her heart. She graduated from Glynn Academy before moving on to Macon, where she graduated from Wesleyan College as a proud Green Knight. For graduate school, she then moved on to Athens where she fell in love with her future husband, Mike, and the Georgia Bulldogs. After marrying and graduating, Kay and Mike relocated to Columbus, GA where she began a long and remarkable career as a high school English teacher, first teaching at Spencer High School, followed by many happy years at Pacelli, and ultimately concluding her career at Shaw High School. At each of these schools, she touched countless lives and shared her vast knowledge and genuine love of poetry, Shakespeare, reading and creative writing. In addition to her academic accomplishments, such as being named the Ledger-Enquirer Page One Sara Spano Top Teacher in 1990 and STAR Teacher three additional years, she was also a highly successful cross country coach, leading four teams on to State Championships. 

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kay also had many personal interests and hobbies. She was a very successful runner in her own right, running countless road races, including 4 marathons. She was also a skilled rider, showing in 3 day events and fox hunting on her horse Buddy. She also enjoyed gardening, snow skiing, and playing the piano.

Kay's greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her family. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Lenny Beaudoin, and their two sons, Leo and Charlie Beaudoin, of Columbus, GA, and by her son John Agnew and his sons Mason, Kip Agnew, of Brunswick, GA, siblings and their spouses; Jamie and Sharon Hafner of Brevard, NC, Lynn and Roy Pace of Allenhurst, GA, and Madge and Dewey Bass of Simpsonville, KY. Kay is predeceased by Mike, her husband of 48 years. 

Kay was an active member of St. Anne Catholic Church and Christ the King Church, where she volunteered in many capacities. She was also an active volunteer at Callaway Gardens. 

Donations in Kay's honor would be greatly appreciated by St. Anne Church Outreach www.stannecsg.com/outreach or the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

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