On January 12, 2024, Kathleen Colburn Barkley, 85, passed away under the care and at the home of her son Danny Colburn and Donna Lawrence, along with Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley and her wonderful aide Barbara Brown.
Kathy was born the daughter of Melvin and Dorothy (Rodgers) Collins on December 10, 1938 in Watertown NY.
She married the love of her life, George Colburn Sr. on July 3rd, 1954. They had six children together Dorothy Gasset of Clarksville TN, George Jr. (Shelly) of Adams Center, Danny Colburn (Donna Lawrence) Carol Colburn Cowles, Andrew (Jenny) Colburn, all of Gouverneur NY, and Georgia Colburn (deceased).
After the death of her husband George and daughter Georgia from a car accident, she married Herbert Barkley which ended in divorce, and had two children, Clint Barkley (deceased) and Mary Barkley (Mitch Martin) of Gouverneur. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Buckles of Watertown NY, 19 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her son-in-law Donnie Cowles of Hermon NY.
Kathy worked as a waitress and was employed for many years at the St. James Catholic School cafeteria where her children attended school. She was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary of Gouverneur. Kathy loved spending time with her family and friends especially her best friend Alberta Jenks of Gouverneur. Kathy loved to dance even at the age of 85, wheelchair bound, with her son Danny as he held her up and swayed her to the music. Her favorite place to spend a beautiful summer day was at the camp of her son Danny’s on the Oswegatchie River in Rensselaer Falls and at her oldest grandson Jeff (Dusty) Bowmen’s camp also on the Oswegatchie River in Heuvelton.
She is also predeceased by her five brothers Bill, Frances, John, Tom, and Dick Collins and sisters Joan Hunt and Carolyn Webster.
There will be a graveside burial and a celebration of Kathy’s life in the spring . In lieu of flowers, you may send donations in Kathy’s name to Friends 4 Pound Paws, PO Box 394, Gouverneur, NY 13642.