Kathleen "Kate" Van Orman

          Kathleen (Kate) was born on Dairy Hill in South Royalton, VT, the next to youngest of twelve brothers and sisters.  She attended a one-room school house until 9th grade, when she moved to South Royalton High School.

          In her teens, Kate worked summers at the Orchard House in Tyringham, MA. It was there she met and married Gordon Van Orman, her husband of 68 years.  They had three children.  She is survived by her husband Gordon, her three children; Brenda McCreight, Glenn Van Orman, and Barbara Huff, her daughter-in-law Kathy Van Orman and son-in-law Andy McCreight, her grandchildren; Nick and Jake Huff and Liz and Michael McCreight and her great-grandson Silas.

          Kate worked at several different jobs, including being a phone operator, working at Hulbert Mill and at Country Curtains.  Co-workers loved her and appreciated her strong work ethic and kind spirit. Her favorite job was teaching 2nd graders as a teacher’s assistant at Lee Elementary.  She loved the kids and they loved her!

          Kate was a servant in her town and her church.  She served on the Tyringham Library Board and the Valley Club for years.  At Tyringham Union Church, Kate served on the Church Committee, attended faithfully, and rang the bell to start service.

          A Celebration of Life will be held at Tyringham Union Church on Saturday, September 9th at 10 AM.  Burial will follow in Tyringham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tyringham Union Church or Hospice of Western and Central Massachusetts, in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home   3 Main Street   Lee, MA   01238.