Kathleen S. Kaminski, wife of the late Dr. Louis A. Kaminski of Newark, DE, passed away Monday, March 19, 2018 at the age of 88. She was born on February 16, 1930 in Salem, MA to the late John F. Sullivan and Anna M. (Higley) Sullivan.
Kathleen was a graduate of the Hickok Secretarial School in Boston, MA before going on to work for the United States Foreign Service in Germany. She traveled the world – both through work and for pleasure – learning to speak multiple languages. During her tenure with the US Foreign Service, she had a radio show in Germany where she was able to express her love for music by singing. Later in her career she was director of New Castle County’s WHEELS transportation program for the elderly.
Kathleen and Louis met while she was working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and were married in 1957. They raised five children and enjoyed sharing in the lives of their nine grandchildren. Kathleen and Louis spent nearly fifty-five years together until Louis’ death in 2012.
Kathleen’s friendships were very important to her, and her dearest friend was her sister Regina. When together they enjoyed spending many hours playing card games such as Spite and Malice while filling the air with the sounds of their laughter. Otherwise they spoke on the telephone frequently and never allowed distance to interfere with their close relationship.
In 1978, the Newark chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) awarded Kathleen its first annual Wonder Women Award. The citation honored her “…for her unique achievement and worth as a person. She is independent and has established her identity. Her work in the world is significant; her character is an example for others. She holds up her part of the sky – and a little more.”
After retirement, Kathleen became active in the Newark Charitable and Social Club where she had the pleasure of participating in a wide range of activities with cherished friends and neighbors. She greatly enjoyed volunteering – along with many good friends – for the Newark Senior Center. Kathleen enjoyed crafts, flower arranging, and experimenting with her cooking and baking. Her greatest joy was seeing each of her grandchildren become strong and successful adults.
Kathleen is survived by five children: Suzanne L. Murdock and her husband, James W., Robert L. Kaminski and his wife, Bambi B., Lisa A. Kaminski and her husband, Juan Pablo Rios, Marylou McNamara and her husband, Charles L., and John P. Kaminski; nine grandchildren: Catherine A. Goetschius, Elizabeth K. Goetschius, John W. Goetschius and his wife, Leigh G., Andrew L. Goetschius, Hayli C. Kaminski, William R. Kaminski, Margaret L. McNamara, Kathleen M. McNamara, and Brigit R. McNamara; and two sisters: Regina S. LaVasseur and Marianne S. Archibald.
In addition to her husband and parents, Kathleen is preceded in death by her three brothers: John F. Sullivan, George F. Sullivan and Robert C. Sullivan.
A memorial service for Kathleen will be held at a later date.