Kathleen Ann Gildea, "Kathee", age 50, of Hershey, died Wednesday, February 23, 2011 surrounded by her family and friends.

Kathee was born on February 20, 1961 in Philadelphia and a graduate of Hershey High School in 1979. Growing up she loved sports, including: basketball, curling, canoeing, camping, swim team, sailing and was an avid skier while living in Colorado for 10 years. She loved music and played the clarinet, organ and piano. Kathee was a very kind and gentle spirit with a special way with children and a sincere passion for animals, especially her many beloved pets over the years.
During recent times, Kathee became an accomplished gardener, photographer, and cook. She loved spending time reminiscing and laughing over many memories with her life-long friends and family.

Kathee was a wonderful woman, a loving daughter, sister and friend. She will be missed by many. She leaves behind her mother, Helen C. (Staats) Gildea of Hershey; father, Dr. James E. Gildea and wife, Gayle, of Hummelstown; two brothers, James W. "Jamey" of Vienna, VA and Dr. John "JJ" Gildea and wife, Heather, of Waynesboro, VA and their children, Riley and Miriam; step-brother and sisters, Tyrin Sterling, Bonnie Cooper and Jenele Turner; and her beloved friend and companion, Ron Stadulis.