Kathleen M. "Kathie" (Dooley) Kunkel

Mrs. Kathleen M. “Kathie” (Dooley) Kunkel, age 57, of Sauquoit, embraced her unexpected illness and went home to God peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2009. Her family was vigilant during the days leading to her passing at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on December 19, 1951, Kathleen is the daughter of Marie Ellen (Grant) Dooley and the late Michael P. “Pat” Dooley. Raised and educated locally, she attended St. Francis DeSales Elementary School and High School graduating in 1969. She then completed a course in medical secretarial studies at M.V.C.C. On June 1, 1974 she married Kenneth J. “Kenny” Kunkel with whom she shared 35 years as best friends; they loved, respected, and entrusted their souls to one another. Kathie worked as a lab technician at St. Luke’s Hospital, and as a medical secretary at Dr. Jeffrey Richter’s office, a position for which she was well suited. For the past 15 years she was employed by the Dove Eye and Laser Center. During all of her working years she also assisted in her husband Kenny’s family business, Kunkel Ambulance and Livery Service. She also made many lasting acquaintances through her professional associations over the years. She was gifted in arts and crafts, and shopping which was always done with the love and companionship of family. Holidays at her home were the greatest of times for her. But above all else, Kathie was most proud of her children, the responsible young adults they had become, and their life’s accomplishments. Kathie had a quiet passionate presence. She provided guidance, love and kindness as a wife, mother, daughter, sibling, as well as all other relationships in which she shared. She was secure in the knowledge that God loved her, and she and Kenny were devout believers. Her faith was her guide which she practiced with her family as parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. She walked humbly in this life and she was grateful for “Every Good Gift” that blessed her life. No one could fathom how this wise counselor, loyal defender, voice of reason, listener and sharer could be taken so soon. We take faith in her passing being part of God’s master plan. Kathie is survived by her husband, Kenny; her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Robert Veitch of Wilton, NY; her son, Jeffrey Kunkel of Sauquoit; and her mother, Marie Ellen Dooley. Survivors also include her sisters and brothers-in-law, Maureen and David A. Scarlino of New Hartford, and Maribeth and Charles Canter of Westmoreland; her brothers and sister-in-law, Michael P. Dooley, Jr. of Whitesboro, and Shawn and Michelle Dooley of Herkimer; her cherished nieces and nephews; aunt, uncles and many cousins; her in-laws, Joan and Donald Dorn, Jack and Catherine Kunkel, and Mary and Robert Zuccaro; and her extended and cherished family, William and Rosalie Veitch, and Tina Veitch. She will also be missed by her canine companions, “The girls”, Bailey, Booda, and Bella. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Kenneth M. and Blodwen “Bud” Kunkel. Kenny wishes to thank all the family and friends who have shown their devotion to Kathie by their presence and prayers. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Kathie’s honor to the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Kathie’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Kathleen M. "Kathie" (Dooley) Kunkel

December 19, 1951 - October 31, 2009