Kathlene Louise Fleming

PIERMONT, NH         Kathlene Louise (Fleming) Donnelly, 84, passed into eternity on March 23, 2024, at her sister Margaret and husband Michael's home where they so lovingly cared for her during her final years.

She was born in Wallingford, VT on November 19th, 1939, the fourth of ten children to Richard C. and Mary E. (Palmer) Fleming.

Kathlene, affectionately called Kate by family and friends, attended St. Peter Elementary school and Mount Saint Joseph Academy graduating in 1957. Upon graduation, Kate attended St. Catherine's infant home in Albany, NY where she became certified in child development. She then went on to study at St. Joseph College in Maryland where she received her teaching degree and while there, she entered the convent of The Daughters of Charity for seven years and became Sr. Mary Richard. Kate taught in the Baltimore Catholic Schools for several years. After returning home Kate taught sixth grade at St. Peter School and later taught kindergarten at West Rutland School. She met and married her husband of forty years, Joseph W. Donnelly, and they resided in West Rutland and Brandon, VT for a short time. They moved to St. Mary's Maryland and retired to Florida for thirty-five years. Kate enjoyed the nature and beauty of Florida and taking daily walks with her border collie Brandi. She and her son Joe were avid Florida Gators fans and attended most of their home football games. Kate and her husband ran a successful real estate appraisal company that kept them busy in retirement. Kate also conducted tours of the author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Home, an activity that she truly enjoyed.

She is survived by her daughter Bridget and husband Jeff Stump and her grandsons Ryan and Ethan of Evanston, IL: four sisters, Marianne Pharr of Fayetteville, GA, Colleen Goodrich of West Rutland, VT, Madeline Eck and her husband Bill, of White River Jct., VT, and Margaret Hogan and husband Mike of Piermont, NH, one brother Gerald Fleming of Piermont, NH and many nieces and nephews. Kate was predeceased by her husband; her son Joseph Donnelly; her parents: three brothers, Richard J. Fleming, Joseph P. Fleming, Michael R. Fleming and a sister, Patricia (Fleming) Allen and her little niece Susan Jane Goodrich.

She will be dearly missed by her family and will always be remembered for her spontaneous and vibrant nature which made her such a delight to know and love. Her pleasant and enjoyable personality was a constant and precious part of all our lives. She was our ray of sunshine. Our heartfelt prayers go with her as she goes home to our Lord. May she rest in the light and peace of our heavenly Father.

A special thank you to the Visiting Nurse and Hospice in VT and NH and our excellent caregivers Veronica, Kat and Katie whose diligent care made Kate's life so pleasant and comfortable.

Our deepest gratitude is extended to our local caregivers Rachel, Ruth, Lauren and Lynn Ann who provided gentle and excellent care to Kate and support to her family. You have all made this journey possible.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Calvary Cemetery Fund, C/O St. Peter's Church, 134 Convent Ave., Rutland, VT 05701

The funeral service for Kate will take place at St. Peter's Church in Rutland, VT on Tuesday April 9, at 11:00 AM.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.