Kathleen M. Gutknecht, 89, of West Scranton, died Wednesday, at home after an illness. She was the widow of the late Francis Gutknecht who died in 1968. Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late William and Florence Goman Murray. A 1943 graduate of Scranton Central High School, she was a member of St. John Neumann Parish and retired from the A&P food store chain. Kathleen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved life and was always ready to help family and friends. She loved to read, needlepoint, paint, sew and most of all, go out for dinner after a day of shopping and have a martini. She is survived by two children, Michael Gutknecht and wife Susan, Lake Ariel, a daughter, Linda Gulbin and husband Vincent, Scranton, five grandchildren, Michelle Gilchrist and husband Donald, Karen Thomas and husband Eric, Stephen Loss Jr., Sara Gulbin and partner Rachael, Holly Gulbin, several great grandchildren, 1 sister in-law and friend, Vera Murray, FL., nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, William, Paul and Robert Murray. Kathleen’s family is truly grateful for the compassionate and exceptional care she received from Dr. Richard Weinberger’s staff and the staff at Hospice of the Sacred Heart. The funeral will be on Monday at 8:45 am from the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton, with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in Nativity of Our Lord Church at St. John Neumann Parish, 633 Orchard Street, Scranton. Inurnment will be private in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow. Viewing for family and friends will be on Sunday, 5 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathleen’s name can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
