Kathleen Joan Painter

Kathleen Jo Painter Kathy Painter of Punxsutawney, formerly of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2022. Kathy was born on March 23 rd , 1950 and was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harlan “Hoot” Painter and Genevieve Guilfoyle Painter as well as by a very special aunt and uncle, Ruth and Andrew Gresock, aunt Mercedes Limerick and uncle Richard Guifoyle. Kathy is survived by numerous cousins and their families which include Peggy Prutznal and husband Dan, their children Shane and wife Julie Prutznal with daughters Evelyn and Clair, Landon and wife Laurie Prutznal, Luke Prutznal, and Maggie Prutznal. Also surviving are Michael Gresock and wife Sandy and their children Becky Love and husband Mike and Hannah Gresock. Kathy is also survived by cousins Dan Gresock and wife Rhonda and their children Brad Gresock and wife Brooke (expecting their daughter Grace) and Brock Gresock and girlfriend Ruth Beck, Jackie Meighen and husband Mark and their children Jenna and husband Josh Tofani with children Daphne and Theodore, and Allyson Meighen and Amy Meighen, Jeff Gresock and wife Robin with sons Andrew, Alex, and Aidan. Additionally surviving are Kathy’s aunt Lois Guilfoyle and children Tim Guilfoyle and wife Crystal, Jim Guilfoyle and Bridget Guilfoyle, Karyn Farbo and son Christopher and wife Hollie, Colleen Limerick-McKenzie and children Timmy and wife Melanie, Sean, and young Shannon and Shannon Limerick-Gnas and husband Henry with children Amber and Ariana, Michael Limerick, wife Michelle and children Jeremy and wife Holly and Jessica and husband Jonathan, Patrick Limerick and children Corey and wife Deanna, Jade and husband Aaron and Philip and wife Chantelle, Laurie Limerick and children Olivia, Jesse and wife Becky, Kelly Limerick-Hand and husband Steve, children Harlan and spouse Dew, Skylar, Landon and wife Jessica. In addition, Kathy is survived by an adorable special “nephew” Salman Aldhuwayan of Al-Khobar Saudi Arabia. Kathy was a member of SS. Cosmas and Damian Church, an active lifetime member of the Penn State University Alumni Association, and a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators. Kathy received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Penn State University at University Park. Upon graduation from Penn State, Kathy was employed with the Baltimore City Public Schools where she taught classes, conducted workshops for new teachers, and conducted classroom demonstrations for teachers district wide. Kathy’s middle school students officially represented the Baltimore City Public School in city wide parades and cultural events including placing second in Baltimore’s Columbus Day Parade. Kathy also was employed at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas where her titles included Coordinator of Academic Advising Extended Services and Associate Director of Migrant Education. At the University of Houston, Kathy taught classes, conducted student workshops, and wrote and managed educational grants for the U.S. Department of Education. Kathy also represented the University of Houston by presenting at numerous national conferences. College students at the University of Houston were “the lights of her life” on graduation day. Graduation Day in May was Kathy’s favorite “holiday” of the year. During her extensive educational career, Kathy touched the lives of over 800 students in the Baltimore City Public Schools and over 4000 college students at the University of Houston. Kathy was extremely proud of and a football fan of Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School which was named after her great uncle, the Most Reverend Richard T. Guilfoyle, D.D.. Kathy’s extensive volunteer work included hospital work for the Texas Medical Center, Barbara Bush Literacy Program, and the city of Houston’s events such as the National Republican Convention, The Final Four, and the Super Bowl. In addition, Kathy developed and conducted a two week fine arts camp for inner city middle school students. Kathy enjoyed anything Penn State, especially Penn State football. Kathy also enjoyed being outdoors, working out, international travel, especially to Central America and the Middle East. Additionally, Kathy enjoyed speaking various languages, reading, attending the University of Houston Cougar basketball games and anything “Texas” including rodeos and country music and dancing. Donations in Kathy’s name may be made to the SS. Cosmas and Damian Catholic School or the SS. Cosmas and Damian Knights of Columbus Food Bank. At Kathy’s request there will be no public viewing. A mass of Christian burial will be held at SS. Cosmas and Damian Church on Saturday August 27 th at 11:00 am followed by burial at the Calvary Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen Joan Painter, please visit our floral store.