Kathleen A. "Kathy" (Gigliotti) Niemenski

June 22, 1955 - May 17, 2020

UTICA - Kathleen A. “Kathy” (Gigliotti) Niemenski, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 17, 2020 with those she loved most in her heart. Born in Utica on June 22, 1955, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Rocco “Rock” and Alice (Lewis) Gigliotti. She attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School, Conkling School, and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1973. She began her working career at St. Elizabeth Hospital as a Certified Nursing Assistant where her diligent work ethic afforded her the opportunity to earn a SUNY Morrisville Associate Degree in Nursing and her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse/Medical Support Assistant, an educational pursuit that yielded her a position at St. Luke’s Hospital in the Allen Calder Wing. Kathy also spent over 15 years as a nurse at Heritage Healthcare Center. When St. Luke’s established their nursing home, she transferred there. Kathy focused on the care and well-being of patients under her watch throughout her entire 30 year career. She will always be remembered for the passion and pride she had in her heart for her nursing profession. Because she was caring, by nature, she embarked on a second vocation at the Rescue Mission where she utilized her skills accrued throughout her many years of caregiving to assist people in need. Kathy took seriously any health issues that affected her life and she passed on her keen work ethic to her son and also influenced her daughter-in-law to pursue a health care profession. As a single parent, Kathy provided for her son and watched with pride as he grew to be a fine young man. She was grateful that she was able to give him a step in the right direction in choosing his own career path in caring for people. Being a grandma was a blessing that uplifted her spirit. When calling Lily on the phone Kathy would say, “it’s grandma K with the glasses!”, and immediately the special connection between the two could be felt over the phone lines. During her leisure time, Kathy was fond of feeding the ducks at Fly Creek. She loved Janis Joplin’s music of the 1960’s, and AC/DC’s Rock ’n Roll tunes. She was also the laundry “Queen” and kept her home meticulously clean. Kathy practiced her Catholic faith at her home church, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, and her trust in the Lord was a guiding light in her life. Kathleen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Daniel “Dan” and Christina Gigliotti; her granddaughter, Lily Alice who revitalized her life when she was born and with whom she shared a great love; her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Bruce Harrison; and her brother, Frank R. Gigliotti and his partner, David A. Schaitberger. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Caitlin Smith and partner Lance Thomas and their daughter, Alivia; and Allison Smith and partner David Castellion; many cousins; and longtime friends, Roxanne, Rita, and Nancy. Dan wishes to thank his fellow co-workers at Kunkel Ambulance who went above and beyond in their quick response and efforts to save his mom; the staff at MVHS at St. Elizabeth’s Emergency Department for their empathetic care and concern; and Dr. Shwe Win for his medical expertise. Due to current health concerns and in keeping with federal and state regulations, the family will honor Kathleen’s life privately. Please take a moment to connect with Kathy’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our community support.