KATHLEEN J. (McMANUS) GORDON

Kathleen J. Gordon, 87, of Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away on June 25th in the loving arms of her family at home, just as she had wished. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence McManus Sr. and Mildred P. McManus.

Kathy is survived by her children and their spouses, Michele (Sean) Donahue, and Michael (Kelly) Morra; as well as her two beloved grandchildren, Megan Morra (Sam Bennett) and Michael Morra III. She was the sister of the late Lawrence “Larry” McManus and Marilyn Buchanan, two nieces, two nephews, and their children. She leaves behind cherished friends whom she considered family.

Kathy grew up on Johnson’s Pond in Coventry, where her parents ran Camp Ayoho for 40 years. In her youth, she worked as a camp counselor and was known for taking winter plunges through the ice on the pond, followed by hot saunas, something she later laughed about, saying she could never imagine doing it again. She was close to her grandfather and often spoke fondly of her happy times visiting his farm.

As a teenager, Kathy won several beauty pageants, rode her horse in local parades, and also performed as a magician’s assistant in magic shows. She graduated from Coventry High School in 1957 and later attended The Katherine Gibbs School. Kathy worked as an Executive Assistant at the Radisson Hotel (Johnson and Wales University) for many years, retiring at age 72. She loved her job and was adored by both staff and students.

Kathy was a longtime member of the Warwick Ski Club, and skiing was a major part of her life for many years. A true beach lover as well, she enjoyed reading, people-watching, and anything connected to the ocean. She owned two boats during her lifetime and spent countless hours at sea. For 30 summers, she spent part of the season on Block Island with family and friends, a place that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Kathy was a terrific dancer; if there was a dance floor, she was on it. She listened to music daily, and her favorite song was Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called to Say I Love You. She was also an excellent artist and a skilled seamstress. Handy and self-sufficient, she cared for her home, lawn, and garden throughout her life.

Kathy was a devoted Patriots fan, and especially loved watching Tom Brady play. Coming from strong Irish-Yankee stock, she learned self-reliance early and was fiercely independent. She was a remarkable, resilient woman—undaunted in her perseverance. She enjoyed simple comfort foods and was known for her homemade sauce and pumpkin pie. Later in life, she discovered the Cowboy Channel and delighted in watching her westerns every afternoon.

Kathy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially her two children, who will continue to carry her indomitable spirit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in memory of Kathy Gordon to the

"Wounded Warrior Project"  

Funeral Services and burial at Woodland Cemetery, Coventry are respectfully private.

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