Kathleen Marie Gerard

Kathleen Marie Gerard, 88, died peacefully at Heartland of Dublin nursing home on Thursday August 16. She had lived an active and dynamic life until May 11 when she suffered a stroke at home. She courageously fought through rehabilitation at Riverside Hospital and Ohio Health Rehabilitation.

Kathleen was born on April 22, 1930 in Petersburg, Ohio to Clyde and Betty Hill. She earned a BS in Marketing and Merchandising at Miami University. She was a varsity cheerleader at Miami during the era of Woody Hayes and was an avid football fan her entire life. She moved with her family to Worthington Hills in 1966 and has stayed in her original home for the last 52 years. She was the buyer/manager for the Ladies Department at the former CJ Wilson's specialty shop in Delaware, Ohio and presented in fashion shows for over 25 years. She was active in her community and helped organize the Worthington Hills Garden Club, serving as the second President in 1968. She was a prior board member of Worthington Hills Civic Center and helped to create the first Forth of July parade, which still thrives today.

Kathy had a vivacious love of life and inspired so many around her. She will be fondly remembered for her humor, work ethic, financial shrewdness, tenacity to overcome challenges and her unmatched love of sports, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Kathleen is survived by her three children, James (Karen) Gerard and children Justin and Marisa; Jeff Gerard; and daughter Elizabeth (Steve) McFarland and children Scott and Philip. She is predeceased by her late husband, James Gerard.

Visitation hours will be Sunday August 19 from 2-5 pm at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 North High Street. A funeral and celebration of life will be announced in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Ohio State Harding Psychiatric Hospital, P.O. Box 183112, 660 Ackerman Road, Columbus, Ohio 43218.