Kathleen Merwin

She was born February 4, 1948, in DuBois, Pennsylvania. Kathleen was raised and spent much of her life in the Buffalo, New York area before later moving to Columbus.

To those who knew her long or well, Kathleen was best known as someone who persevered in the face of adversity. She broke boundaries as the first woman to do several of the manufacturing jobs she held early in her career, often enduring mistreatment because of it. One of the first in her family to attend college, she bravely put herself through school as a single mother. Always a hard worker, she was dedicated to the later roles she held in Buffalo, which traversed healthcare, law, and education.

After settling in Columbus, she spent nearly 10 years with Thrive Alliance, where she made meaningful connections and found great purpose. Following her retirement, she gave back to her community as a foster grandparent with Columbus Christian School.

Kathleen had many passions that colored her life. She was a dedicated animal lover and found joy outdoors working in her yard. She loved lunches and thrifting with her friends and never passed up a good mystery—always trying to guess the ending. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and savoring the small moments in life.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, George and Jeannette Merwin; sisters, Sally Maxwell and Sue Merwin; brother, Danny Merwin; and son-in-law, David Mason.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Yvette Mason of Angola, New York, and Jennette Merwin (Dave DeWitt) of Columbus; grandchildren, Shawn Lyon, Hannah (Daniel) Sullivan, and Jane Mason, all of Buffalo, and Helena, Vivian, and Natalie Munger, all of Columbus; two great-granddaughters; brother, Jim (June) Merwin of Clinton, Connecticut; and sister-in-law, Michele Merwin of Amherst, New York. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Kathleen’s honor may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or Community Animal Rescue Effort.

You are invited to share a memory of Kathleen at www.Hathaway-Myers.com.