Katherine B. Gorruso

RUTLAND - Katherine B. Gorruso, 75 of Rutland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, January 23, 2024 at Rutland Regional Medical Center, after a lengthy illness. She was born January 17, 1949 in Cohoes, NY, the only child of Frank and Katherine Ann (Sullivan) Burns. She attended Academy of the Holy Names Catholic Prep School in Albany, NY, and then earned a B.S. in Nursing from George Washington University, and an M.H.A. in Hospital Administration from Central Michigan State University.

Kathy devoted over 50 years to healthcare beginning as a nurses aide in her teens, followed by her many years as a trauma flight nurse for Medstar Washington Hospital in Washington, D.C. She then worked into her retirement as a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit at Rutland Regional Medical Center. During her nursing career, her success was aligned to teach others and pave the way for their journey into nursing as she committed endless hours to train those in everything from CPR and beyond. Kathy had a true gift for serving and teaching, and even in her last days she was teaching the nurses that cared for her. Her advice and words of wisdom were an inspiration to all who knew her, and her unwavering commitment to the true heart of healthcare.

When Kathy wasn't caring for patients or educating students, she enjoyed spending time in her garden, sewing, baking, cooking, searching for great sales, caring for her multiple cats over the years and most importantly, her "babies" Gladys and Goombah, two English Mastiffs with a combined weight of close to 400 lbs., that she somehow managed to control flawlessly by herself, despite her tiny stature.

If you knew Kathy well, you were lucky enough to hear some of her colorful and descriptive nursing stories where halfway through she would say "anyhows." Perhaps you received an Irish soda bread from her with a special note, a gift wrapped with surgical tape, or she may have asked "Can I getchyas a cuppa coffee or some tea?" She spent her entire life caring for others and she never missed a beat remembering everyone's special day and what they liked, as well as taking the time to offer advice and suggestions to help anyone that she could.

Kathy is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Dominic Gorruso; sons Andre Gorruso of Virginia and Dante Gorruso of Rutland. Three grandchildren Gabriella Gorruso of Rutland, USAF SrA Vincent Gorruso of Alabama, and Madison Gorruso of Virginia. Also, Jerry Gorruso & Family of West Rutland, Anne Gianni-Euber & Family of Proctor, Richard Marchinkoski of Pittsford, Barbara George & Family of Florida, many other extended relatives, and her beloved pets; Boris, Gladys, & Goombah.

The family would like to thank Craig Benvenuti, for supporting her and us during her last days, Dr. Eisemann and the 5th floor nursing staff, as well as many other family members and friends for your care and compassion for Kathy.

Per her request there will be no calling hours. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, at St. Peters Church in Rutland. Memorial donations may be sent to the Rutland County Humane Society for her love and compassion of all animals. Clifford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.