Obituary of Kathleen Margaret Gill

Kathleen, a lifelong resident of Schenectady, New York was educated locally through High School, then earned a B.S. in Education from S.U.N.Y. Brockport in 1969. As a VISTA volunteer on a Blackfoot Reservation in Browning, Montana she worked as teacher and assisted in the implementation of a "Save the Children" Program. Kathleen earned an M.S. in Corporate and Political Communication at Fairfield University, Ct. She retired as a Social Worker, Capital Region B.O.C.E.S. in 2004. As a Mohawk Pathway Girl Scout, she developed a deep love of all things out-of-doors. Kathleen was an accomplished Winter and Summer ADK 46 ER, a Catskills Winter and Summer 35ER as well as an End 2 EndER (completion of the Long Trail, Vt., Northville - Lake Placid Trail, N.Y., and the Appalachian Trail, Maine to Georgia). Kathleen combined these interests in her writing and publishing "Story-Walking the Appalachian Trail", 2002. Kathleen owned and operated her business "The Story Walker, Ltd., which offered Storytelling Performances and Workshops to pass and preserve oral family history. Kathleen edited and published Margaret Sheridan Harrigan's auto biography and recorded the CD "On Strike" that presents two sister's historical versions of the Mill-worker's strikes in Cohoes, N.Y. during the late 1800's. Kathleen received a D.A.R. Award for her work. Kathleen performed as a Storyteller at many local venues. A story was placed in the Schenectady Time Capsule and her last public performance was as a featured performer at the Cafe Lena, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. She also enjoyed the title of Resident Story Teller (Seanchaithe) of River View Orchards, Rexford, NY. Kathy was the daughter of Anne Helen (Harrigan) Gill and Edward James Gill. She is survived by her sister Sarah Gill, her nephew John Gill-Ochal, Jimmy Gill, Peter and Marge Gill, Atlanta, GA., Sheila and Dene Taylor, New Hope, PA.; The Harrigan, Ryan and Gill Clans, The Wild Ones and a goat named Zipper. A memorial service will be held at the Dominican Retreat House, 1945 Union Street, Niskayuna, NY on Monday, October 10th at 2pm. Family and friends are invited to attend, pray and tell a story about Kathy. In lieu of flowers please contribute in her name: to the Joan Nicole Prince Home, 22 Glenview Dr. Scotia N.Y.; Hospice, or Defenders of Wildlife.