Kathleen Jenks Harm

Kathleen Jenks Harm RUTLAND — Kathleen Jenks Harm, 78 of Rutland died in her home with her husband Bill, and friends, by her side on August 12, 2024. Kathy was born July 1, 1946 in Batavia, NY to Paul and Patricia Jenks but she considered herself a true Vermonter as she had been conceived in Burlington. Kathy grew up in Waterloo, NY, attended Middlebury College and graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in geography in 1968. In the 1970’s she began her career in public service working for the State of Vermont. She was proud of the fact that she made a donation to Patrick Leahy’s first campaign. She was City Planner of Springfield, VT in the mid-seventies. From 1979 to 1983 she was the Town Manager of Windham, ME. The remainder of her career was spent as a financial advisor/retirement planning consultant for RC – Retirement Corporation. She was a lifetime member of ICMA – The International City Managers Association. Kathy and Bill moved to Rutland in 2005. Kathy immediately became active in the community serving on the boards of the Rutland Free Library and the Paramount Theater. She was also active at the Unitarian Church in Rutland. Kathy was proud to serve as a citizen volunteer for the IRS Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, a group with representatives from each state who listen to taxpayers’ issues and make suggestions for improving IRS service and customer satisfaction. Kathy was one of Rutland’s greatest advocates. Most importantly, Kathy collected friends, and if you were counted among her friends you were truly blessed. She was smart, funny, positive, strong, and generous. She was interesting – and interested. She lived life to its fullest with her travels around the world and her annual visits to Prince Edward Island and Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Among her many interests were classical music, opera, books, crosswords and word puzzles. She was a role model for many. She was predeceased by her parents, and her brothers Richard and Tom. She is survived by her husband of 40 years Bill, a brother Mike Jenks, a sister Peg Durnin, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Paramount Theater on Saturday, September 7th at 4 pm. Kathy was extremely grateful to the Vermont Legislature for passing Act 39. Donations may be made to the Paramount Theater in Rutland, or the Foley Cancer Center at the Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.