Obituary of Kathryn Ann Gilkeson Refice

Glenville- Kathryn Ann Gilkeson Refice, 89, of Glenville, NY, and formerly a long time resident of Roaring Brook, PA and Bay Harbor Island, FL, died peacefully in Albany Medical Center on September 29th, 2022, surrounded by her son and daughter-in-law. Kathryn was preceded in death by her loving husband, the late Ike Refice. 

Born on November 16th 1932 in Layland, West Virginia, Kathryn was the daughter of the late Victor Gilkeson and MelishKosnoski.

Kathryn graduated from Meadow Bridge High School and, in 1953, from Saint Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Hungtington, West Virginia. Before her marriage, she practiced as a Registered Nurse in Greenwich, Connecticut and, afterraising her son, in Scranton, PA.

Kathryn met the love of her life, Ike Refice, while skiing at Mount Snow, Vermont. They honeymooned in Sun Valley, Idahoand spent many happy years skiing together with their son, Paul, throughout the Northeast as well as at their home base of Elk Mountain, PA. Kathryn was a devout catholic and a long-time parishioner of St. Eulalia’s, Roaring Brook, PA and later of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, Schenectady, NY.

Kathryn is survived by her son, Paul Refice and his wife, Babette, grandchildren Geoff (Erin), Brian (Tierny) and Kendall Cresswell, as well as great-grandchildren, Violet and Wesley Cresswell. 

Kathryn is also survived by her beloved sister, Carolyn Hajjar,brother, Joseph Gilkeson, nieces Nicole Pendleton, Mimi Hajjar (Craig Lynch), Susan Hajjar (Tim Donovan), Nancy Hajjar(John McFadden), Jean Hajjar and nephews Peter Hajjar(Kathleen Callahan), Douglas Gilkeson, and Bobby Gilkeson, as well as great nieces, Isabel, Sophie, and Emily and great nephews, Thomas and Jack.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ike Refice, and brothers Victor and Charles Gilkeson.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors at Albany Medical Center for their outstanding care and compassion in the days before Kathryn’s passing and Carolyn Hajjar for her loving,devoted care of Kathryn the past several years.  

A Christian Mass will be celebrated by Father Bob Longobucco on Friday November 11, 2022 at 9 a.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady, NY 12309.

In keeping with Kathryn’s wishes, she was cremated and there will be no viewing.

Arrangements are under the care of the Glenville Funeral Home, Glenville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to theRegional Food Bank of Northeaster New York, 965 Albany-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

For online condolences please visit, www.glenvillefuneralhome.com.