Kathryn Blecatsis Erskine

Kathryn Blecatsis Erskine obituary, Manchester, NH

Kathryn Blecatsis Erskine

Kathryn Erskine Obituary

Visit the Legacy Remembers website to view the full obituary.
Kathryn Blecatsis Erskine, 74, of Manchester, NH, died of complications from ovarian cancer on Saturday, February 15th, at Catholic Medical Center. Kathy was born April 28, 1945 in St. Petersburg, FL, a daughter of John and Effie (Koyiades) Blecatsis and had been a lifelong resident of the Manchester, NH community. Kathy was a 1963 graduate of Manchester Central High School and a 1967 graduate of Wellesley College. She received her Masters in Social Work from Simmons College in 1969. Her career in social work led Kathy to several non-profits and agencies in NH. As a Title 1 social worker for many years, Kathy worked tirelessly as an advocate for children and families. She was a Homeless Liaison for the Manchester School District, and she was also instrumental in developing the district's Title 1 preschool program. Social justice was her passion, and she was respected by everyone who had the privilege to work with her. She was a mentor to many, and a strong advocate for early childhood education and a champion for improving the lives of low-income children and their families. Kathy enjoyed needlework, painting, and loved the seacoast. She loved her family and adored her grandchildren. She is remembered by her friends and family as an incredibly kind and loving person with an infectious generosity of spirit. Kathy was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester. Kathy's husband of 47 years, Dick Erskine, passed in 2017. Other family includes: her daughter Kate Erskine, and Kate's wife Jolene McWhirter, and their children, Cora and Margo, all of Manchester, NH; her son Greg Erskine and Greg's wife Heather Erskine, and their children, Augusta and Rhea, all of Louisville, KY; her sister Melanie Brown and Melanie's husband Mark, of Reynoldsburg, OH; her sister Joan Krohn of Manchester, NH; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. SERVICES: Calling hours will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm, on Thursday, February 20, at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, located at 243 Hanover St. Manchester. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, February 21, in the funeral home. Burial will take place immediately following at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Families in Transition, 122 Market St., Manchester, NH 03101.

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February 29, 2020

Jeannine Huot posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2020

Dorothy G. Krasner posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2020

Janet Frail Roche posted to the memorial.

Jeannine Huot

February 29, 2020

Greg & Kate,
Saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. Worked with her for many years in the Title 1, preschool and homeless programs. May your lifetime of wonderful memories bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. Prayers for you and your families.

Dorothy G. Krasner

February 27, 2020

I knew Kathy first through the Cultural Diversity Task Force, one of many social justice and advocacy organizations that benefited from her insight, copious knowledge of Manchester, good humor, and dedication. Any meeting she attended was more civil because she embodied civility. Any potluck was better for her contribution. So many students had better school days because of her work. She lives on in her family and the good she did.

Janet Frail Roche

February 18, 2020

Words to describe Kathy: kind, smart, funny and always positive. Although she was going through her own struggles with Dick's illness, she was there for my husband and me when he was diagnosed with cancer. Our conversations were informative, supportive, upbeat and positive. Kathy was a beautiful soul and I will always be indebted to her for helping me through a difficult time while struggling with her own.
Heartfelt condolences to the Blecatsis and Erskine families.

Ellie Cochran

February 18, 2020

Kathy was such a kind, loving person who always had a great smile. She made such a difference in so many people's lives with her passion for people and education. She will be missed but we will all have wonderful memories to cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Jane Bright

February 18, 2020

So sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. I knew her for many years. Blessings to her family.
Jane Bright

Barbara Fox

February 17, 2020

Kathy was our neighbor for the past 32 years. We love her so much and are sad she was sick these past couple years. She was the kindest person. She was the best listener and laugher. She was essential to some important parts of my life, especially helping me get a job that I have had for 20 years. We will miss her so much. We love her. The Foxes

Ellen and Jack Healy

February 17, 2020

Heaven has another angel who will continue watching over her family! Kathy was a kind, caring compassionate woman who will be missed by everyone she met. Our sincere sympathy to Melanie, Joanie, Kate and Greg; May her memory be eternal!

J Gagne

February 17, 2020

I met Kathryn by sheer accident through our shared passion for needlework. She had a great sense of humor and a beautiful heart, could lift your spirits on a gloomy day. She will be very missed.

Heather Henriquez

February 17, 2020

I originally came to read her obit because I thought she was (and may have been, but it doesn't state) my gym teacher/basketball coach at St. Joseph's Jr. High in 88. I'm leaving a candle as a part of the FIT family (where you've asked donations to go to) and thank her for doing all she did for the homeless, especially the children. We need more angels on earth like her. I can tell she will be missed by so many, and obviously by FIT, a place I consider family. Rest in peace, Kathy

Tony Dubois

February 17, 2020

Dear Greg Kate and Joanie, Know not where to begin....I loved her and Dick as well. Seven years ago my life sort of collapsed- a nasty divorce follow ed. I had 2 nervous breakdowns and became suicidal. I do not write in hyperbole here; Kathy saved my life- more than once. There was never a time when she cut me short on the phone- how very patient-how kind- how caring she was. So...when I learned of her death, I felt such awful pain in my heart and that pain is not likely to diminish for a long, long time. I cannot end this message in total sadness. I was blesseTd having Dick and Kathy in my life. So so many good times: Spofford, Langdon, Swanzey, Keene, Manchester, Wells, Rye, Tenants Harbor, Popham Beach et Al and no matter the place, we cherished our friendship - when we were with Dick and Kathy we were at home- we were with family. So fortunate, how blessed we were. Godspeed Kathy.

Chrissy Simonds

February 17, 2020

I had the privilege of meeting Kathy when I was on a committee with her for Families In Transition. I was asked to be on the committee because I had experienced homelessness due to being in a domestic violence relationship and had graduated from FIT, so we would talk after our meetings and she always showed me so much empathy and compassion. She was an amazing woman. I am so sorry to her family for their loss.

Will & Wendy Thomas

February 17, 2020

Kathy was such a wonderful, warm and caring person. Her energy was always positive as was her love and activism for children's well-being. To Kate and Greg and to other family members, we send our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. As others have mentioned, Kathy was an Angel on Earth, and we shall remember her fondly.

February 17, 2020

I first met Kathy when I taught at Wilson School. She was such a lovely lady, totally committed to the welfare of all our students. She made the world a better place for all of us. My deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Respectfully,
Barbara Wesolowski

Bruce & Marilyn Soper

February 17, 2020

Our hearts go out to Kathy's family. We will always remember her kindness, her smile and her interest in people. May she rest in peace.

Catherine LaFleur

February 16, 2020

Kathy was truly a gift from God. She made such a wonderful impact on so many lives including my own. She touched so many lives with her kindness, generosity and humility. She will be missed!
Cathy LaFleur

Susan Sliwoski

February 16, 2020

I have no doubt that Kathy was the kind of person who will be a significant loss to many people. Special thoughts go out to my friend Joannie, Kathy's sister, and the entire family.

Betsy Dubois

February 16, 2020

Your mom (and dad) will live forever in my memory. Her generous spirit, incredible kindness and willingness to embrace everyone with love will always be with me. She was the best! My heart is heavy for all of you as you face this incredible loss. I wish you strength, courage and hope that your memories will sustain you.

Kathy Chaikin

February 16, 2020

Kathy was the first person i became friends with freshman year at Wellesley. We lived across the hall from each other and supported each other in many ways during that year. I have so many fond memories of times together including dinners at Athens Olympia in Boston, baklava from Manchester after her weekends at home, and a secret Santa turtle we named Milton. I got to see Kathy a few years ago when she drove to Portland, ME when I was visiting family there. May her memory be a blessing to all whose lives she touched.

Sandy & Dave Enman

February 16, 2020

We are sad to hear of the loss of a kind and thoughtful person. It was always such a joy to see Kathy over the years in Vermont at our Fake Thanksgiving. Her special Greek Chicken was always a favorite.

Sherie and Bob Moore/Hynes

February 16, 2020

Kate and Greg, our hearts are broken over the loss of your mom. We have many fond memories of her at church in R.E., Stitchers and Crafters and other activities. Blessed Be. Sherie Moore and Bob Hynes

Chris Monroe

February 16, 2020

I was saddened to learn of her death. She was such a giving, positive, and cheerful person and we'll remember her fondly.

Madeleine Sassman

February 16, 2020

Kathy was a hero in my book. I recall her strutting into my office at Northwest School, always with her beautiful smile, ready and impatient to help, advise, and listen to the children and families she serviced. She emanated love and compassion. We have lost an angel, but we have her legacy as example of an exemplary, selfless, loving life.

robert schiavone

February 16, 2020

So many memories with Kathy & Dick over the past 60 years. So many laughs, good times and friendship. I will miss her dearly. She was an extraordinary woman in so many ways. My heart is broken.

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Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium - Hanover Street

243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH 03104

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February 29, 2020

Jeannine Huot posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2020

Dorothy G. Krasner posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2020

Janet Frail Roche posted to the memorial.