Kathleen "Kate" Gildea

Through her bright smile and infectious laughter, Kathleen Gildea brought so much joy to those around her each and every day. Whether it was her patients, her co-workers, or her family everyone was always so glad to have Kate around. A true caretaker by nature, her heart seemed to know no bounds and thinking of others first and foremost was a trait that came so easily to her. Although she enjoyed traveling when time allowed Kate was always happiest when her loved ones were near. With her laid back personality she never let the little things in life ruffle her feathers and was known to make lemonade when life brought her a lemon or two. A devoted wife and mother, compassionate caregiver, and trusted friend, Kate will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The years during the Great Depression of the thirties were some of the most trying days our nation has ever experienced. With unemployment rate that peaked in the mid-twenties, countless people lost their jobs, which led to many people losing their homes as well. People did what they could to survive and went on with life to the best of their abilities. America was moving forward where we could as evidenced by the completion of the Empire State Building and the opening of the George Washington Bridge, both in 1931. This year was filled with promise for one young family from Kalamazoo, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl on June 3rd. Kathleen was welcomed into the arms of her loving parents, Duncan and Louise (Lilly) McLean, and was the second of three children in her family including her older sister, Alice, and her younger sister, Phebe. Kate was raised in the family home on Westnedge Hill and took great pride in their home. She attended local schools including Nazareth Academy during her high school years, graduating in 1949.

Even as a young girl Kate recognized her growing desire to work in a field that helped those in need of a little tender loving care. Nursing seemed to be a perfect fit and to be honest it was really the only career she ever considered. Kate underwent training in her chosen field and with her education behind her she worked at Kalamazoo Bronson Hospital. Not only did her work there bring her great fulfillment, but it also set the stage for her introduction to the man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was Clare Gildea and she was his nurse. He was smitten with Kate and about a week after Clare went home, he asked his beautiful nurse out on a date. Kate was more than happy to oblige and the couple went out to dinner.

Just as their relationship was beginning to blossom, Clare answered the call to serve his country during the Korean Conflict and left for the military six weeks later. During the time they were separated, Kate and Clare continued to fall deeply in love with one another. Three weeks after he returned from the war the couple became husband and wife on September 18, 1954, at First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo after dating for four years. Together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home, Carolyn, Linda, Carl, and Larry. From the moment her first daughter was born Kate fully immersed herself into her role as a mother, setting her career aside for a time to focus on caring for the needs of her family and home.

When her children were grown Kate returned to her first love, nursing. This time she found herself at Vicksburg Bronson Hospital where she spread her abundant joy to both patients and co-workers alike. It has been said that Katie, as she was known to her co-workers, provided care that was second to none and as a result her patients never seemed to forget not only her tender touch, but also her warm smile and infectious giggle. One particular co-worker said “You could always tell when Katie walked on the floor as it just seemed to light up.”

Although most of Kate’s life was focused on caring for others, she did enjoy taking time to pursue her interests when she had the chance. She loved getting together with the McLean family for their reunions every summer. Kate was an incredible hostess and so the gathering took place at her home for many years. She possessed an abiding faith that accompanied her along her life’s journey and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Schoolcraft for 45 years. When her family grew to include seven grandchildren, Kate couldn’t have been happier as they were the light of her life.

After a rich and rewarding career in the medical field, Kate was ready to embark on the next phase of life. During their retirement years she and Clare enjoyed traveling all over in their R.V., cruising, and being a part of the Elderhostel Program. Kate always loved tending to her herb garden and was a genuine animal lover.

All who knew Kathleen Gildea would agree that in many ways she was a kid at heart. She had an insatiable zest for living that spilled over into the lives of those around her. Kate was a compassionate and tenderhearted woman who considered it pure joy to care for others. She was social, friendly, and outgoing, and she rarely met a stranger. The legacy she leaves behind is one that will live on in the hearts and lives of those she leaves behind.

Kathleen Gildea of Schoolcraft died on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Kate’s family includes her husband, Clare F. Gildea; four children: Carolyn L. Gildea of Centerline, Linda A. (Jerry) Gilchrist of Portage, Carl S. (Linda) Gildea of Elmgrove, WI and Larry A. (Bonnie) Gildea of Gobles; seven grandchildren: Tony and Katie Gilchrist, Stuart Gildea, Lydia and Iain Gildea, and twins Devon and Brianna Gildea; and several nieces and nephews. Kate was preceded in death by her two sisters Alice Louise Nordlie and Phebe Hull Burns. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697). Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the same location. Kate will be buried at the Hope Cemetery. Please visit Kathleen’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a memory or sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Those who wish may make donations to Southern Care Hospice.