PVM Alumna’s Tragic Passing Points to Importance of Available Support and Resources
A tragic sense of loss was keenly felt across the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine community after word was received about the passing of Dr. Kathleen Lennon, a graduate in the Purdue DVM Class of 2015, who died March 13. A beloved equine veterinarian, Dr. Lennon, of New Albany, Ohio, was 33.
Highly accomplished and respected as an equine practitioner working in the Quarter Horse show industry, Dr. Lennon spent much of her time going to horse shows in Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Florida. She considered her horse show family her true family that played a role in all aspects of her life.
Dr. Lennon is remembered for her dedication and relentless pursuit of the best treatments for her patients. Always diplomatic and kind-hearted in her approach, she was known for giving the same effort in caring for a “backyard” horse as she would in treating a prize-winning champion. With a phone that never was silenced, Dr. Lennon constantly responded to middle-of-the-night calls to treat horses in need of veterinary care. As the demand for her expertise and medical care grew, days off were few and far between. On the rare occasions when she did get away from work, she loved visiting her mom in Sarasota, Florida.
Besides her love for veterinary practice, Dr. Lennon also loved competing as an accomplished rider in the horse show circuit. Dating back to when she was 13, she competed at the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress. Over time, she achieved such honors as being a two-time Congress Champion in Western Pleasure and Horsemanship, respectively, as well as a National Snaffle Bit Association World and Reserve World Champion, and a Level 1 AQHA Champion. Beyond her achievements, she loved the horse show environment, and the associated mix of humanity, with people of all ages from across the country joining together in a community in which she thrived.
A memorial service followed by a celebration of life reception for Dr. Lennon was held March 19 at Irongate Equestrian Center in Croton, Ohio.
