Kathleen W. Proskine, age 68, of South New Berlin, passed away on October 21, 2021.
She was born in Norwich, NY on September 7, 1953 to Lawrence and Marion (Kenyon) Warner. She was predeceased by her parents: “Buck” & Marion; her sister: Lorraine Warner; her granddaughter: Mariah Proskine; her in-laws: Alma & John Proskine, James Proskine, and Marie Pearson; and her nephew: Chad Halberg.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Thomas Proskine, who still resides at their home in South New Berlin, and their three children: Robert (Patty) Proskine of Norwich, Matthew Proskine of South New Berlin, and Loni (Kevin) Saltis of Herkimer.
Kathy had three grandchildren: Marcus, Makayla, and Monika Proskine, whom she loved very much. She had two brothers: Rod (Kathy) Warner of Fairfax, VA, and Randy (Cindy) Warner of Norwich. She had several brothers- and sisters-in-law: Edna (Wayne) Baseden of Oregon; Philip (Lisa) Proskine of Sherburne; Connie (David) Halberg of Norwich; John (Sherry) Proskine of PA; and Regina Proskine of Norwich; as well as her Uncle Alynn & Aunt Shirley Proskine of Norwich. She also had many nieces and nephews, including Josh Pearson; Elton (Heidi) Proskine and their children; Jason (Katie) Baseden and their children; Travis (Jill) Baseden and their children; Rory Warner; Cale Warner; Samantha (Nick) Hallet, Hope Halberg and her son Oliver Kabir; Hilary (Jonathan) Maye and their son Silas; Luke (Francesca) Halberg and their children Elisabetta & Chadleigh; Ashley Proskine (Dwayne James) and their children; Theron Proskine; and Emily Proskine; as well as many extended members of the Warner and Kenyon families. She also loved and enjoyed her special friends: Gladys, Marilyn, Renee, Marie, Pat, Barb, Sharon, and many more friends who were very dear to her.
After graduating from Norwich High School, Kathy married Tom, the love of her life, on November 21, 1971. She went on to work at the Ames department store for many years before deciding to take a job at the South New Berlin Central School, where she started as a cafeteria worker before becoming an elementary school teacher’s aide. She was a beloved figure to many students, who knew her as “Mrs. Proskine.” She was also known at the school for ZERO THE HERO. She eventually retired from what is now the Unadilla Valley Central School District in 2017, after 25 years of service.
She also worked on the family farm for most of her life, until it was sold in late 1990s.
Kathy always looked forward to holidays, family dinners, and time spent together with family and friends. She loved making cakes, cookies, and other refreshments, and would bake birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends. She was a very creative individual, and loved to cook, plan parties, and decorate.
She enjoyed listening to older-style country music, photography, and bowling, winning several championship competitions with her women’s bowling league over the years.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in South New Berlin and the First Baptist Church in Norwich, always looking forward to attending services and assisting with church community outreach programs. She was also pleased and filled with joy that her grandson, Marcus Proskine, had recently joined the United States Air Force.
Kathy will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. She had an uplifting smile and positive attitude, and could brighten anyone’s day with her presence. She always had little uplifting comments she would make, such as “Well, friends are friends forever” and “If the sun is shining, you can find happiness every day.”
She wanted especially to thank her son, Matt Proskine, for taking care of her in recent years as her health began to decline, as well as her close family and friends, for all the love and comfort which they gave her.
In accordance with Kathy’s wishes, a “family and friendship” gathering will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Norwich from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., as an opportunity for family and friends to reminisce and reflect on Kathy’s life. Snacks & other refreshments will be served. The family hopes to see you there. Thank you.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Proskine family at www.fahyfuneralhome.com.