Mary "Kathy" Gleason

Kathy Gleason (Mary Kathleen) of Surprise, AZ, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, at Sanctuary Assisted Living, where she received excellent care. The staff there became her extended family. She spoke of them often and loved their teasing and loving ways.

Kathy was born in Bristol Southmead, England on September 12, 1956. She was adopted on October 14, 1960, by James & Joan Gleason. They lived in Oxford England, while her dad was in the US Air Force. Her dad’s service assignments moved them to the US, to North Dakota and then New Mexico. When her dad retired, they settled in Phoenix, Arizona.

Kathy loved growing up in Arizona. She graduated from Trevor G Brown High School. Being the Lay-Away Manager at Walmart was one of Kathy’s favorite jobs. She loved helping people and this characteristic followed Kathy throughout her life. Her career ended early with the onset of Multiple Sclerosis in her late 20’s. With her many health conditions throughout her life, God blessed her with the ability to always be positive. She always thought of others before herself.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents James & Joan Gleason; her grandparents Arthur & Gladys Shepheard and William & Exillia Gleason; several aunts and uncles, cousins and countless friends.

She is survived by her aunts Jeanne Sell & MaryAnn Baumann; several cousins and many friends. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her, but through a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, we have the hope of seeing her again.

A graveside service will be held on May 20, 2025 at 12 pm, at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6540 W Northern Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85301.

In lieu of gifts or donations, Kathy would love each of you to use whatever gifts you have received from God, to serve others.

Thank you all for your prayers and for celebrating Kathy’s life with us. Let us all shine our light, just like Kathy did every day!