Kathleen L. Wertz

Wertz, Kathleen L. ALBANY Kathleen L. Wertz died peacefully Sunday, October 28, 2012 at St Peters Nursing Home in Albany. Kathleen was born in Johnstown Pa. on January 11, 1916, and was the daughter of Archie and Bertha Spangler. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Anderson. Kathleen spent most of her childhood in southern California, returning to Johnstown after graduating from high school. Her professional life as a nurse spanned the spectrum of life. As a young adult, she worked in a maternity hospital. She left nursing to raise four children, Ellen Dunkle Huber of Lancaster, Pa., Don (Dale) Wertz of Rome, N.Y., Mary (Ray) McGlone of Chenango Forks, N.Y. and William (Debbie Panitch) Wertz of Castleton, N.Y. Then, when the nest was empty, she resumed her nursing career at the Presbyterian Nursing Home in Johnstown. Kathleen was deeply involved in the lives of all her grandchildren. After her retirement, Kathleen moved to the Binghamton, N.Y. area to help raise two grandchildren. In 1987, she moved to the Albany area to help raise another set of grandchildren. In addition to her children, Kathleen leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She was prede-ceased by one grandchild. Although many people measure their success in life by the wealth they accumulate or the power they obtain, Kathleen measured her success by the degree to which she gave unto others. Throughout her life, she focused on caring for family, friends, and patients above all else, often without regard to her own needs. That generosity of spirit extended after her death, as she donated her body to the Albany Medical Center for medical research. Kathleen spent the past three years as a resident of the St Peter's Nursing facility, a home where her richness of spirit was matched by the loving and tender care provided by everyone on the staff. Kathleen's family will always be grateful for the care she received, and especially for the kindheartedness with which it was given. We are especially grateful to Kathleen's friend, Linda Johnson, who provided her with loving care in her last years. A memorial service to celebrate Kathleen's life will be announced in the future. Those wishing to remember Kathleen may send a contribution in her name to St Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, 301 Hackett Blvd, Albany, N.Y.