Kathleen E. Schneck

Kathy was blessed to have many wonderful friends and loved ones throughout her life; none more loyal, fun, and supportive than Barb, Walter, Jeff, Scott, Carol, Cindy, Pat, Connie, Lindy, Sydney, Mark, Linda, Bonnie, Melissa and Darcey to name a few.

As a young adult, Kathy enjoyed working in her family’s grocery store, The Saranac Lake Supply. Kathy’s love of children and her nurturing spirit were reflected in her early education career choice, first as a bus driver and student aide at the Saranac Lake Head Start Program, then as a childcare provider at the North Country Community College Day Care Center. Kathy was a hard-working single mother, a devoted daughter and sister, and a wonderful role model, accomplishing anything she set her mind to. She obtained an Associate’s Degree from North Country Community College in 1997 and spent much of her later years serving her community.

Kathy founded and obtained grant funding for her program “Seniors Helping Seniors in Their Community” which promoted senior wellness activities such as community gardening and healthy eating and living seminars. Kathy was an active member and board member of the Saranac Lake Adult Center, as well as a board member of the Harrietstown Housing Authority, and the Association of Senior Citizens of Franklin County. She acted as a liaison for local community health initiatives for seniors by arranging accessible information sessions and using her network to support increased senior wellbeing. Kathy supported local and national politicians who focused on community health and wellbeing by organizing petitions, stuffing envelopes and writing letters to constituents. She organized and participated in holiday donation drives and enjoyed helping people throughout the year however she could, be it through a ride to the store or the gift of a good laugh.

Kathy was an artistic soul. Together with friends she painted a First Night banner for the Town Hall, helped with winter carnival float creations, and enjoyed sketching and painting at home. She also wrote poetry and crocheted cozy blankets for loved ones.

What was most amazing about Kathy was her indomitable spirit which allowed her to accomplish all of the above and more despite battling a debilitating lung disease for half of her life. Kathy was unfailingly appreciative of her healthcare providers and her family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the following people who helped to support and care for her throughout her illness: Pulmonologists Dr. Bunn and Dr. Mir, Family Physicians Dr. Kilbourne and Dr. Sarah Mader; staff at Kinney Drug Pharmacy, Saranac Lake, Tri-lakes Home Medical and Dechantel Apartments, and the dedicated nursing, respiratory therapy, and physician staff at Adirondack Health Medical Center.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake on Saturday December 28, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Joanne White officiating. Burial will take place in Harrietstown Cemetery in the spring.

Per Kathy’s request, in lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation can be made to North Country Community College, with “Attn: Kathleen Ellen Mullen Schneck Scholarship Fund” in the memo section. Family and friends wishing to remember Kathy can also share their condolences and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.