BOLIVAR – Kathy Lynn Irish, 61, passed away at her home on Sunday (December 3, 2023) as a result of her struggle with cancer.
Mrs. Irish was born on March 28, 1962 in Wellsville to Levi and Janice (Mix) Williams. She attended Bolivar Central School and finished her high school education by receiving her G.E.D. In 1992, she graduated from Jamestown Community College. On March 10, 1979, in Little Genesee, she married Donald S. Irish who preceded her in death on February 12, 2017.
She worked for Wellsville Manor Care Center as a Certified Nursing Assistant until 1997. Then she became a Direct Support Professional at the Rehabilitation Center in Olean.
Kathy is survived by a loving family, including two daughters, Mandi (Dan Torrey) Swanson and Donielle (Lyle) Champlin, both of Bolivar; four siblings, Deborah Horner of Portville, John (Sandra) Williams of Mocksville, N.C., Laurie Hewitt of Clarksville, Tenn. and Daniel (Roxanne) Williams of Daytona, Fla.; five grandchildren, Darien Champlin, Lakoda Champlin, Jefferey Champlin, Jameson Irish and Phoenix Irish; an “adopted daughter” Kimberly Nakka of Little Genesee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Shawna Helms; a sister, Linda Hicks; and two grandchildren, Taeler Irish and Jaxson Dimpfl.
Kathy enjoyed baking, especially pies and she was an avid online shopping fanatic. She really enjoyed the Christmas season as she loved making ornaments, wreaths and other décor items to give to her family. Kathy was partial to warm weather and the beach. Her favorite destinations were Virginia Beach, Daytona Beach, and Hudson, Fla. for family vacations.
Kathy was very family-oriented and she loved each family member dearly. She would tell it like it was or hit those around with “the look” if needed, but she also knew how to make people laugh. Her playful joking and friendly sarcasms were delightful to her family as it was her way of showing love. Favorite memories from her children include the Buffalo Zoo trip for Mandy, making apple pies for Kimberly and the beach trips for Donielle.
Visitation will be held on Friday (December 8) from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. The funeral service will take place at the funeral home immediately following the visitation with Rev. Dave Hearns of South Side Union Chapel of Olean officiating. Kathy will be laid to rest on Monday (December 11) at 11:00 a.m. at Bath National Cemetery beside her husband of 37 years.
Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com. © 2023 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
