Kathleen Theresa Gober of Derry, NH passed away April 20, 2023 at home surrounded by her devoted husband and loving family after a period of declining health.
She was born December 5, 1943 in Boston, MA, a daughter of the late Anthony and Vesta (Mongeau) Curran. After graduating from Cardinal Cushing High School in Boston, she attended Mansfield Beauty School and continued to practice her craft on family and friends - happy to give perms, haircuts, and dye jobs in her kitchen. She then worked as a draftsperson at the phone company, always having a funny story to tell about her time there.
While working her first job at the counter of Puritan Doughnut in Dorchester, she caught the eye of a handsome yet mischievous baker named Bob. His zest for life and ability to make her laugh, not to mention his stellar jelly doughnut making skills, sparked a romance that lead to their marriage in 1965. In 1971, Kathy and Bob moved out of “big city” Dorchester to then “small town” Derry, NH to raise their family. Their love story has spanned over 57 years.
Kathy was known for her devotion to her family. She was a dedicated mother to her 3 children. She embraced being a stay at home mom, carting her children around to their many activities….even the ice skating rink at 4am. She was an enthusiastic spectator who never wanted to miss a game or performance. She loved extended family gatherings and was in her element when camping with her siblings’ families.
Kathy, or Nana, was always ready for a visit from her grandchildren. With yummy treats and trips to the playground when they were little, and tea and cookies and a receptive ear as they got older, she was happy to spoil them. Just like with her kids, she was a smiley supporter on the sports sidelines, theater audience, or Scouting events.
Although not one to seek the spotlight, Kathy was never one to miss a joke or sit idle. She was an avid crafter, a busy gardener, an enthusiastic camper, and a queen of making lists. Kathy liked to sink her teeth into a good project- never afraid to tackle a task and always willing to get her hands dirty. When faced with health struggles along the way, she handled them with fierce bravery, strength, and dignity.
She and Bob enjoyed their retirement years spending the winters in Naples, Florida. They grew roots in their loving community of Hitching Post Co-Op, many of whom they consider their second family. Together, they enjoyed cruising, traveling, bowling, pitching horseshoes, playing bingo and socializing with dear friends.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert Gober of Derry, one son, Ken Gober and his wife Cathy of Concord, NC, two daughters, Carolyn Blanchard and her husband Mike of Goffstown, NH, and Michelle Pierson and her husband Matt of Bedford, NH, four grandchildren, Nathan and his wife McKenzie, Jonathan, Margo and Madeline, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Edward Curran, and by her four sisters, Madelyn Hines, Rita Brace, Eleanor Murray and Margaret Thornton.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 from 4-7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10am in St. Peter’s Church, 567 Manchester Rd., Auburn, NH with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to hospice care provider Amedysis Foundation, 8 Commerce Dr., Suite 101, Bedford, NH 03110.