Kathleen Erin Gahagen

Kathleen Erin Gahagen, 44, known affectionately by her parishioners at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church as Pastor Keg, because of her faith, entered into the Kingdom of God on February 28, 2014. Through her ministry as a Pastor for the ECLA and her lifelong, valiant battle against Cystic Fibrosis, Kathleen inspired and influenced everyone whom she met. She leaves behind to celebrate her life and achievements so many people who were all Family to her and who admired and loved her--her biological/extended and marital family, her Lutheran Church family including St. James and Abiding Savior and her fellow clergy, her family/friends from high school and college who have comforted and encouraged her for many years and all the staff who took care of her at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland. It is impossible to capture with words her spirit, her refusal to let her illness define her or stand in the way of accomplishing her life’s work, her generosity, or her gregarious nature. The memories and the joy she leaves behind are immeasurable and will forever stay in our hearts. Breathe Easy, our dear Sunshine, Breathe Easy. The family extends to Dr. Robert Stern a special appreciation for his constant care of Kathleen for the last nine years. Thank you. Also, thank you to her neighbors who supported her faithfully and unselfishly during this last difficult year. Because Kathleen willed her body to science, there will be no viewing. A Celebration of her life will be held Friday, March 21st, which would have been Kathleen’s 45th birthday. That day Abiding Savior Lutheran Church will host an evening of sharing, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, where friends and family and parishioners can gather and share remembrances of Pastor Keg. Abiding Savior is located at 1534 Ruie Road, N. Tonawanda, NY. There will be a memorial service for Kathleen at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 22nd at 11:00 AM. Holy Trinity is located at 1080 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Clergy are invited to process. The color of the day is Purple. There will be a light reception downstairs in Redeemer Hall following the service. Family and friends are then invited back to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church to share a meal and fellowship. A donation to a memorial fund in her honor may be made to Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 1534 Ruie Road, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. PDF Printable Version

Kathleen Erin Gahagen

March 21, 1969 - February 28, 2014