Katharine Ann Gauthier

Katharine (Kate or Katy G. to her friends) Ann Gauthier passed away early Monday morning, September 9, at her home in Manchester, New Hampshire, after a strong and courageous battle with bone marrow cancer and kidney disease. Kate was born on March 19,1963 in Biddeford, Maine, the first and adored child of Paul and Margaret (Provenzani) Gauthier. Kate grew up in West Falmouth, Maine, on the family farm on Mast Road, where she was particularly fond of sheep and cats - lots of cats! She attended high school at Catherine McAuley in Portland and then went on to Rivier University in Nashua, New Hampshire. There she studied nutritional science, earning a Bachelor's degree in 1985.

Kate moved to southern New Hampshire in the late 80s and lived in Hookset for a short time before settling in Manchester, where she spent the last 30 plus years. She worked in a variety of positions over the years but found her niche in the retail and customer service fields, where she always excelled. She would always talk about her "regulars," customers who she provided great service for, but more importantly built relationships with. She loved them and they certainly loved her. She also enjoyed great relationships with many of her coworkers.

In addition to the friendships that she had with former high school and college friends, coworkers, and customers over the years, the most important and lasting relationships that Kate built during her many years in New Hampshire, were with her close group of girlfriends. She had a truly amazing and caring network of friends, who made memories, shared life experiences, fun times (and also some mischievous times), and sadness together. They have always supported one another along life's journey. They would describe her as kind, generous, thoughtful, hard-working, spirited, a social butterfly, very funny, a great storyteller and "with a beautiful smile that always made others happy to be around her." And without fail, she was always impeccably dressed with pizzaz; with her hair and nails all done up. When Kate walked in the room, people noticed! And she never missed a birthday, always sending a thoughtful gift and card. She was a rare and wonderful person who always gave more than she took in life.

Kate was predeceased by her father, Paul Gauthier; and mother, Margaret (Provenzani) Gauthier; as well as numerous cats which she lovingly adopted and cared for over the years. She is survived by her 3 younger brothers, Christopher and wife Kristy of Kennebunkport, Stephen and wife Suzanne of Portland, and Peter of Freeport; as well as her 8 nieces and nephews Auguste, Arthur, Sophia, Lily, Oren, Emery, Betsy, and Paul.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland, on Wednesday, September 25, at 10 AM, followed by a graveside ceremony at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. To view Kate's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in her honor to the New Hampshire SPCA, 104 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, New Hampshire 03885