Leitch remembered for serving area’s seniors with compassion
JOHNSTOWN - Kathryn P. Leitch, who worked at the Fulton County Office for the Aging for 34 years, is remembered by those who work with local seniors as a dignified woman who dedicated herself to her job.
The Johnstown resident retired from her job as the deputy director of the New York State Office for the Aging a few years ago after being diagnosed with cancer. She died Friday at the Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville.
"She genuinely cared about the people she was serving," said Michelle Jones, director of the Shirley J. Luck Senior Citizens Center in Johnstown.
Jones said she worked with Leitch for several years when she first came to the area.
"She was very compassionate about what she did," Jones said. "That spilled over into everything that she did."
Jones said she enjoyed working with Leitch because her dedication infected those around her.
"She was a very dignified lady," Jones said. "She'll be greatly missed."
Catherine Mueller, director of the Senior Citizens Service Center of Gloversville & Fulton County, said she did not work directly with Leitch but heard of her myriad accomplishments from many people.
"I heard about the great things she did for Fulton County, all the programs she developed," Mueller said. "She was very good at what she did."
Mueller also noted Leitch's move to the state level of the Office of Aging as a significant accomplishment.
"People really liked her," Mueller said. "When I worked in Montgomery County, I heard of the many wonderful things she had done there."
Mueller said Leitch's death is a "loss to the community."
"She will be missed," she said.
According to her obituary, Leitch also was a member of St. Anthony's Church, a past president of the National Office for the Aging and a member of the Women's Republican Club. She was born in Clifton Springs Feb. 10, 1947, and married Charles Leitch on Feb. 14, 1976.
She is survived by her husband; her daughters, Carrie Blanchard and Nicole Leitch; her son, Jonathan Leitch; her mother, Mildred Fairman Parmelee; her brother, John Parmelee; and her sister, Virgina Parmelee.
Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Barter & Donnan Funeral Home in Johnstown. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at St. Anthony's Church. Interment will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery.
