Kathleen G. Smith

Kathleen Gwen Smith, 59, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, April 5, 2024, following a lengthy illness. She was born April 25, 1964, to the late Adeline A. (Panchenko) Smith and Garra H. Smith.  Kathleen is predeceased by her parents and brother, Gregory Emil Smith. She is survived and sadly missed by her brother, Jeffrey D. (Charlene Murray) Smith; sister, Judith K. Clonan-Smith (Erik Hahn); her much-loved nephew, Jeremiah G. Smith and nieces, Guinevere E. (Alan) Panek, Jocelyn L. (Devin) Foran; as well as her beloved great nephews and nieces, Graham, Alannah, Dudley, Anwyn, Brenna, Eli, Grady, and Margareta and many cousins near and far.
 

In 1982, Kathleen graduated from Medina High School, having completed the Allied Health (CNA) program through the Niagara/Orleans County BOCES, and earned an Associate of Science in Education from Genesee Community College.  She embarked on a career serving others as a lead teacher at the Medina Head Start, a Private Residential Trainer in Albion, a Direct Support Professional for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with Empower WNY in Niagara County, and as an Independent Living Specialist for the WNY Independent Living Center in Buffalo, until she retired from the public sector.

Jesus’ love shone through Kathy at her true home church, Oak Orchard Assembly of God, which she attended for much of her adult life.  She was a past director of vacation Bible school and much-loved Sunday school instructor, who delighted when children ran to her, calling, “Teacher Kathy!”  She was an active member of the Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study.  Kathy loved them and they loved her, supporting one another for many years.  She had been a member of various Christian organizations in the region where she was past president and VP of Oasis Women’s Fellowship and Flame Fellowship, respectively.  Kathy had been a literacy volunteer and with Special Olympics.

Kathy was known for her kindness, sense of humor, and great love for her Lord. A child at heart, she took great joy in the laughter and antics of children.  Kathy enjoyed providing activity experiences for church kids, family, and friends from her great store of games and art materials.   She liked to play a gentle, practical joke or two on the unsuspecting like sending a CNA classmate to the supply cupboard for fallopian tubes.  Even when her own health was failing, she was generous with her time and energy…always thinking of fun things to bring to her church school students.  Kathy enjoyed the family dogs and cats, especially her own dog, Little Louie and her canine-nieces and nephews.  
 
 Calling Hours are Wednesday, April 24 from 4-7pm at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.  Kathleen’s Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10am, at Oak Orchard Assembly of God, 12111 Ridge Road (Rte. 104), Medina, NY, followed by a luncheon at the church.  Her ashes will be interred at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in W. Shelby, NY.

For those who wish to do so, a memorial gift may be made to Oak Orchard Assembly of God, earmarked Children’s Ministries or to the WNY Independent Living Center.