Kathleen F. (Horan) Gorse, age 96, of Medford passed away on Sunday, September 1st at Sawtelle Family Hospice House of Reading while surrounded by the love of her adoring family. A lifelong Medford resident, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (McLaughlin) Horan. Kathleen was a loving wife and mother, a caring sister and friend, who was respected by all due to her calm, warm, and modest demeanor. She had a great sense of style, always dressing and presenting herself with care and self-respect.
After graduating high school and starting work, Kathleen married the love of her life, Joe, in her early 20s and remained a devoted wife until his passing in 2016. She and Joe loved going out dancing together, playing games of cards with friends, or taking trips to the beach, a favorite place of hers since childhood. Until recently, Kathleen sought to remain independent in her home of 66 years where she and Joe raised their five children.
Kathleen had always enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and was proud watching her children grow into adults who remained close to one another. As she got older, Kathleen affectionately proclaimed that she had “five bosses,” with each adult child frequently visiting and remaining involved in her day-to-day life. Kathleen’s favorite ways to keep busy included doing jigsaw puzzles, reading books, watching late-night talk shows, chatting with her neighbors, or checking the daily Mass Cash numbers.
Throughout her life, what Kathleen loved more than anything was family gatherings, especially holidays when her small house was crowded with children and grandchildren. Her door was always open and she had the biggest smile when greeting visitors no matter the hour or the day. Kathleen had a wonderful sense of humor; she loved laughing and sharing funny stories. “GeGe” was not a stuffy grandmother. Her grandchildren enjoyed bantering with her, often affectionately teasing her about her age, her inability to curse, or her tendency to ruin a good photograph.
GeGe loved the uniqueness of each grandchild, constantly bragging about their personalities or accomplishments. In turn, they were crazy about “the Geege.” When the great-grandchildren came along, she was even more enthralled, sincerely believing they were the most incredible little people on Earth.
Kathleen was the beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Gorse, and the devoted mother of Kathleen Sullivan and her husband Frank of Beverly, Jo Ann Gregorowicz and her husband Bob of Reading, Arlene Latsey and her former husband Peter Latsey both of Tewksbury, Joseph (Jack) Gorse, Jr. and his wife Carol of Stoneham, and Caroline Junta and her husband Patrick of Stoneham. She was the loving grandmother of Matthew Sullivan and his wife Hillary, Patrick Sullivan, David Gregorowicz and his wife Meghann, Jonathan Gregorowicz and his wife Alexandra, Catherine Gregorowicz, Eric Latsey and his wife Jennifer, Alexis Latsey, Joseph Gorse, III and his wife Lexi, Lauren Gorse, Jacklyn Junta and Jen Junta. Kathleen was the cherished great grandmother of Dennis and Brooke Sullivan and Henry Gregorowicz, and the dear sister of Margaret (Peggy) Horan of Everett, and the late Thomas Horan, Mary Beeman, Agnes Coward and Veronica Horan. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Kathleen’s family on Sunday, September 8th from 4 PM through 7 PM in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, and again on Monday, September 9th at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to The Every Child Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of Kathleen: bostonchildrens.org/giveinmemory.