Kathleen Anne Gamache's Obituary
Kathleen Anne Gamache, 79, of Lakeland, FL passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024.
Kathleen was born in Utica, NY, on May 4, 1945, the daughter of the late Dr. Thaddeus J. Karwacki and Ethel J. (Kivler) Karwacki. She was raised and educated in Utica and graduated from Utica Free Academy and Mohawk Valley Community College. On November 25, 1967, Kathleen married Robert Gamache in Utica. After several promotional relocations, they finally settled in Lakeland, FL in 1990. A devout Roman Catholic, Kathleen was a cherished member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland, FL as well as Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor, FL. She was actively involved in the Diocese of Orlando’s Women’s Emmaus Ministry and was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Lakeland Chapter Gamma Eta Masters. Kathleen had a deep love for her family and found joy in spending time with them. She also enjoyed participating in religious retreats, cooking, reading, and staying informed on current events. A retired RN, Kathleen worked in hospitals in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. She was an excellent nurse devoted to her patients. Kathleen had the wonderful gift of making friends, always effortlessly engaging in conversation with whomever she met.
Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth J. (Gamache) Walker of Clearwater, FL. Two cherished granddaughters, Merryck L. Walker and Mae E. Walker, both of Clearwater, FL. Her brother, Joseph J. Karwacki and sister-in-law Ellen (Zizzi) Karwacki of Utica, NY. Her brother, John C. Karwacki and sister-in-law Linda (McClusky) Karwacki of Scarborough, ME. Her sister Carolyn J. (Karwacki) Nethken and brother-in-law Arlie Nethken of Fairbanks, AK and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert E. Gamache and her parents Dr. Thaddeus J. Karwacki and Ethel J. (Kivler) Karwacki.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Terrace Way, Lakeland, FL. Burial will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 9:00 am. In addition, Kathleen’s life and legacy will be lovingly remembered with a memorial mass in her hometown on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 11:30 am at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2222 Genesee St, Utica, NY.
Those wishing to donate in Kathleen’s memory, please consider the Suncoast Hospice Foundation at suncoasthospicefoundation.org (http://suncoasthospicefoundation.org) or the American Cancer Society at americancancersociety.org (http://americancancersociety.org)
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