Kathryn "Kate" Burkins

Kathryn “Kate” Burkins, born July 18th, 1930, passed away Friday, June 9th, 2023 at 92.

Originally from Wheeling, WV, Kate moved to Ohio where she graduated from Otterbein college while also taking some classes at Kent State. After settling in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, she would go on to work at Montgomery Wards, Sears, and Fabric Land in roles such as interior decorator and draperies. She met her husband, Bill Burkins, at Sears. Kate, mother and grandmother, was an avid sewer and could fix just about any piece of clothing her children or grandchildren tore, in addition to making quilts and other fabric creations for fun. In her retirement years, she volunteered at Akron’s First Night new year’s events, was an usher at EJ Thomas Hall, and volunteered at Good Neighbors helping those less fortunate. In addition, she helped at the Strawberry Fair at Lion’s Park, was a member of the Red Hat Society, and traveled across the country to attend her husband’s senior softball league tournaments. Family, friends, and being involved in her local community were core parts of her identity. Kate always encouraged keeping an open mind and trying things “at least once” before passing judgment.

Kate is preceded in death by her husband, Bill;  parents Irene and Dean Hancock, and her brother Dean Hancock. Kate is survived by her 3 children, Gary Lang, Amy Norris, and Lisa (Jay) Forshey as well as her 3 grandchildren, Casey Forshey, Spencer (Vanessa) Forshey, and Melinda Norris, her 3 stepchildren, Beth (Mike) Morawski, Amy Burkins and Meg (Roger) Hauger, 4 step grandchildren, Carly Carden, Dr. Emily (Nate) Benedict, Jackson Badgley, Jennifer DuBois,  3 step great grandchildren, Skye DeBotton, Crew Carden, and Elise DuBois; and in-laws, Bonnie Seguard and Max Burkins.

Kate’s family extend their thanks for the great care given to Kate by Dr. Erwin A Maseelall, Falls Village Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, and Summa Hospice.

The family will be having private services. In lieu of other remembrances, donations may be sent to Cuyahoga Falls Good Neighbors or NAMI.