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Kathleen Rhoad Obituary
Kathleen Ann Rhoad passed away peacefully on February 11, just weeks before her 80th birthday, in her beloved home in Albuquerque, NM. She was predeceased by her parents, Bertha Lorraine Heistand Rhoad and Earl Elias Rhoad, and survived by her brother, Thomas Rhoad (Maryanne), Nephew Gregory Rhoad, Niece Alison Rhoad, Great-Grandniece and nephew Madison and Ethan Rhoad, Nephew Zachary Rhoad (Crystal), and Niece Stacey Swain (Randy).
She grew up in Mt. Joy and Palmyra, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Kathleen attended Bridgewater College in Virginia where she studied Psychology. She studied abroad in Germany, which likely sparked her love of world travel. Her career as a college student career counselor began at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD. She spent 30 years working at Broward College in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, until her retirement, then moved to Albuquerque, NM, a place she visited many times and dreamed of living out her final years.
In addition to her career, she owned and operated, with her parents, a Bed and Breakfast The Retreat at Buffalo Run in West Virginia. Kathleen was an avid hiker, birder, photographer, cook, baker, and gardener. She led many hikes in every place she lived and relished hosting family and friends in her home and guiding them while pointing out local fauna and flora and giving history lessons. She had a passion for genealogy and attended the Rhoad(s) Family Reunion yearly in Pennsylvania where she cultivated her connections to her vast extended family members. Kathleen enjoyed tennis and skiing when she visited her condo in Snowshoe, WV. Kathleen had a lifelong love of the Southwest and the Native American culture and history. She had a love of her own familial history but held a deep respect for those who were here first.
A service will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Memorial Hall, followed by a light lunch at First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, 3701 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87110.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the American Indian College Fund or First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Rhoad
3 Entries
Ruth Laudermilch
May 14, 2025
She is missed as my close cousin in 6 months difference in our birthdates. WE had many good memories from our childhood vacations together. A trip visiting her in NM with my husband a few years ago was one we will always cherish. Rest in Peace Cousin!
Donna Walmer Shutt
March 3, 2025
A favorite first cousin. Had a wonderful time at our visit to Kathleen and the Balloon Fest in Albuquerque.
Will miss her extremely. Love to family and friends.
Naomi Rowendolas
March 2, 2025
Countless memories will linger with me, from the funny moments and delicious meals shared, to the valuable knowledge gained. And, unexpectedly, I even developed a taste for scrapple - a newfound love that will stay with me forever! Going to vote was so important to us as we knew every voice matters and every vote counts in shaping out democracy. We celebrated our vote by going to El Pinto for dinner.
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