Kathleen M. Case

CASE, Kathleen (Wilcox)
Heaven just got a little more silly, funny, compassionate and bright as it gained the soul of Kathleen (Wilcox) Case. Born in May 1958 to Joan (Reed) Wilcox Zack and Floyd Wilcox, Kathy grew up in Horseheads, NY where she was that type of kid who marshaled (like a drill-sergeant) the others in the neighborhood into an impromptu parade, sometimes with the added bonus of a shiny new fire truck her father was supposed to be delivering from American Lafrance to various fire departments but not before a quick trip around the block to the delighted screams of excitement from every kid in sight. Kathy attended Notre Dame High School and Nazareth College where she made friends with whom she remained close until the very end, thinking of and talking about them often. We all knew from a very early age that her heart wasn't like everyone else's; no it was bigger, deeper, filled with care for others and provided a tremendous example...a light for those of us who were fortunate enough to have known her. Kathy met her Husband Fred in Rochester and they had two children together, making their home in the Rochester area as well as subsequent moves to Michigan and Chesterfield Virginia, along the way making lasting friendships so quickly and effortlessly. When her kids were grown she decided to take on a new challenge, to become a nurse. When she told friends and family about it they all knew that was perfect; who but Kathy would have so much empathy and consideration for a patient being poked and prodded than she who had to endure so much of that nearly her entire life. About every other week she would tell her husband and family how she just knew she was about to wash out of nursing school, and then she'd bring home another highest grade in the class. This was part of Kathy's charm and another lesson she leaves with us, that humble, self-deprecating nature behind which was the heart of a lion who quietly fought to overcome hardship, achieve and bring laughter, comfort and fun to others all with such quiet grace. Kathy loved time with family, it was at her very core. Most notably, she treasured our time at Keuka Lake where the crowd was never too large even though sometimes the bonfire was. Surrounded with laughing kids and adults no lake vacation officially began for us until she arrived. She was our center, our sun around which the rest of us were fortunate to have revolved to be warmed and bathed in that soft light. She had that enviable and rare quality to help a gathered group of friends and family recall the most vivid memories of years and events past but somehow only the positive ones, the ones that make you shake with laughter sitting around a fire, and even though you've heard the story many times before you just wanted to laugh with Kathy, and we always did. Though her physical presence has left us, she leaves behind that energy, that laughter, that quiet determination and compassion for others within which we can all take comfort and be reminded of the value to be found in a life well lived. Not endured...lived. When asked about her final wishes recently her husband Fred sat back and was reflective for a moment and said "Are you kiddin', she never talked about dying...she was far too busy fighting to live". And so, even at the very end she leaves us with another lesson and these tremendous memories and stories within which she will live with us forever. That lake will look a little different to us this year, that sunset maybe not quite so vivid, the music a little off-key, and our lives will similarly lack some of that color and brightness. But good lord hasn't heaven just gotten funnier, sweeter and softer as she joins our beloved grandfather Boyd Reed, brother Patrick, mother-in-law Mary, a few very silly and beloved dogs and so many others who have slipped their bonds here among us but remain so powerful in our hearts and minds forever. We may feel compelled to pause sadly when we envision her sitting here among us, when we notice that deafening silence found in the space she once filled for us, but let's remember she wouldn't want us to do so for very long. She would want us to laugh, love and share some of that light...and so we shall Kath. Our friend, wife, mother, child and sister is survived by beloved Husband and best friend Fred, children Mary and Brian, Mother and Step-Dad Joan and John Zack, siblings John, Mike and Dave Wilcox, John Zack Jr. and Jolynn Curren and their spouses. Niece, Nephews and Playmates Patrick Wilcox, Emma Wilcox and Joe Wilcox, our dear Aunts Patty Hastings and Peggy Fossaceca, Uncle Lou Fossaceca and numerous cousins with whom she felt so close and shared so much. Dear friends John and Robin Paciente and family, Robert and Julie Kramarik, Dave and Jill Jones, her very dear friends with whom she worked, loved and laughed, and so many others the listing of which here is impossible, but the influence on her and her family's lives is so clearly felt and appreciated. As is so fitting for her, she donated what she could so that others may see, live, experience and be comforted...we would have expected nothing less. A fitting remembrance of Kathy and her life will be arranged at a future date. Please be prepared to tell a story, share a memory and a tearful laugh. Condolences and words of comfort may be expressed at Kathleen's Book of Memories at www.sullivansfuneralhome.com