In Memoriam: Longtime Former Rumsonite Kathleen Gahn, 84

Longtime former Rumsonite Kathleen Gahn passed away on May 5 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 84.

Kathleen was born and raised in Geneva, NY. Until the pandemic, she actively participated in church activities and was a member of the Monmouth Civic Chorus and her Tower Hill Church choir, where she was a member for 36 years. It was at the Monmouth Boat Club where she met her husband, Donald, of Rumson, with whom she shared 28 years of marriage.

“Though Kathleen’s physical presence may be gone, her adventurous spirit, kindness, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She was a true lover of nature, with a special affinity for birds. Kathleen embraced life fully, enjoying skiing, sailing, canoeing and outdoor activities. She dedicated her life to her passion for nature, working many years at the Poricy Park Nature Center in Middletown. Kathleen was cherished for her involvement in church gardening and choir activities, her talent as a homemaker and cook, and
her love for crafts.

“May she rest in peace, knowing that her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire us all. Kathleen’s life was marked by adventure, faith and spirit.”
Loved ones of Kathleen Gahn in her obituary

Kathleen is survived by: her devoted husband, Donald C. Gahn (98), of Tinton Falls; her sister, Glenda Nash, of Geneva, NY; and her sons, Jonathan (Mary Ellen) Whitney, of Albany, NY, and David Whitney, of Falmouth, MA; her stepdaughters, Toni (John) Luard, of Middletown, Terri (Paul) Sherman, of Freehold, and Nanette (Paul) Pezutti, of St. Thomas, VI; her cherished grandchildren, Beatrice Whitney, David (Kristen) Whitney, and Henry (Teresa) Whitney, and step-grandchildren Vanessa Pezzutti, Vincent Pezzutti, David Sherman, Kevin Sherman, and Valerie Sherman; and three great-grandsons.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 13, at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, 255 Harding Rd., Red Bank. An interment will precede the service in the Memorial Garden. A memorial luncheon will be held following the service for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her daughter-in-law’s charity, STRIDE Adaptive Sports for Children with Disabilities, or to Tower Hill Church.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home