Kathleen J. (Drake) Walawender

Kathleen J. (Drake) Walawender, 73 of Auburn passed away peacefully, Saturday evening, November 30, 2024, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, after a brief illness.

  She was a life resident of Auburn, the daughter of the late Raymond and Betty (Beyer) Drake. Kathy, as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, was a Mount Carmel High School graduate, Class of 1969. She received her associate's degree from SUNY Broome College in dental hygiene. Kathy was employed as a dental hygienist for her entire career and worked for Dr. Thomas Clary, Dr. Nicholas DeSocio and Dr. Bradley Davidson. She was a parishioner of St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and a member of the Sennett Seniors and the Ladies Ancient Order of the Hibernians.  Kathy enjoyed reading, swimming, needlepoint, traveling and working on crossword puzzles. She cherished above everything, the time she spent with her family. 

  She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Donald Walawender, two sons, Timothy (Theresa) Walawender, Dr. Jeffrey (Dr. Sanyu) Walawender, four grandsons, Dylan (Macy), Dustin, Lucas, and Bodhi Walawender.  Six siblings, Diane (Kenneth) Kudla, Donna (Stanley) Richardson, Raymond (Paula) Drake, Paul (Sally) Drake, Mary (Mark) Fishlock, Robert (Jill) Drake.  Seven brothers and sisters-in-law, Denise (Steve) Spafford, Dorothy (Dac) Phan, Donna (Kari) Wilmot, Dennis (Pam) Walawender, Daniel (Colleen) Walawender, Douglas (Bethany) Walawender, Paul Williams, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

   In addition to her parents, Kathy was also predeceased by a sister Patricia Drake, brother-in-law David (Denise) Walawender, sisters-in-law Diane Mills and Debbie Williams, and great nephew Jack Podkaminer.

   Calling hours are this Wednesday December 4th from 4 to 7 pm at the Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. Kathleen’s funeral mass will be held Thursday December 5th at 10:30 am at St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church. 

   Contributions in memory of Kathy can be made to St. Peter and Paul Church. 

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