Kathleen Salter Keagy

Dr. Kathleen Salter Keagy, age 80, ground-breaking pediatrician, extraordinary mother, and loving wife, died on 3/15/2025 at the Dubose Health Center at the Cedars of Chapel Hill after complications from a stroke. She was famous for her profound respect for children and families, her homemade cheesecakes and pecan pies, her expertise in pediatric cardiology, a lifelong love of learning, but most importantly – her adoration of her husband, children, and grandchildren.

“Kathy” was born in Pennsylvania in 1944, one of five children born to John and Catherine Salter. Her appetite for learning led her to pursue a career in medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, one of three women in her class. There she fell in love with and married Dr. Blair Keagy, a budding vascular surgeon. Kathy and Blair enjoyed a loving marriage of over 55 years. Following graduation, they made their first move to North Carolina, where Kathy completed her Pediatric Internship and Residency at UNC from 1971—1974, with a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology from 1974—1976.

Never one to do less when she could do more, she welcomed her son Matthew in 1974 during her fellowship and discovered a passion for motherhood that would define the rest of her life. Her treasured daughter, Kristin, completed their family in 1979.

After a brief return to Pennsylvania, where Kathy was the Chief of Pediatric Cardiology at the Geisinger Clinic, the family returned to Chapel Hill. Kathy joined Chapel Hill Pediatrics (CHP), where she continued her fierce advocacy for children, emphasizing prevention and diagnosis of cardiac conditions. A master of detail, Kathy applied the CLIA-certified laboratory system at CHP, permitting real-time diagnostics for children with acute illnesses. As an advocate of “patient and family-centered” pediatric care, her patients were always respected and heard. Kathy was an esteemed doctor, colleague, and friend and retired from CHP in 2014.

Although Kathy was a brilliant medical professional, she truly shone as a wife, mother, grandmother, mentor, and friend. Always present, devoted, and up for anything, her family was her priority and her pride and joy. Kathy will be remembered for her boundless energy, joyful spirit, ready laugh, the twinkle in her eye, and her infinite compassion for others. She had an uncanny ability to make people feel special, safe, and seen. She was adored by all, continuously creating memorable moments and making the ordinary feel extraordinary. Kathy was the epitome of an indulgent grandmother (Nana), and she delighted in playing with and spoiling her beloved grandchildren. She was generous with her knowledge and benevolent with her time, and it was a privilege to be in her presence.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Blair, her son Matt and his wife, Christy, her daughter Kristin and her husband, Rusty. Her cherished grandchildren Jordan, Jeffrey, Connor, and Anna lit up her life. She is also survived by her loving siblings Suzanne, Virginia, John, and Barbara and their families; she adored her many nieces and nephews and delighted in their growing families. She is recalled fondly by hundreds of families and children who were her patients over the years.

Her family would like to extend their gratitude for the support of her caregivers and the outpouring of love of family and friends. They have also asked that you please email any fond or special memories of Kathy to RememberingKathy2025@gmail.com. They hope to read through your remembrances in the months to come.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at a future date. The family requests that in lieu of gifts or flowers, friends honor Kathy’s legacy of caregiving by contributing to Dr. Salter’s Fund for Children administered by Triangle Community Foundation. Memorial gifts may be made online through the Foundation’s website at http://trianglecf.org/donate and searching for Dr. Salter’s Fund for Children. Gifts may also be mailed to Triangle Community Foundation, P.O. Box 12729, Durham, NC 27709 with Dr. Salter’s Fund for Children in the memo line.

Arrangements are in the care of Walker's Funeral Homes 11680 15-501 Chapel Hill, NC 27517 919.942.3861. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.