Patricia Kinner

Patricia Gallagher Kinner
Of Lewiston, NY, entered eternal life on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at home after courageously managing ALS.  Owing to her deep faith, she never allowed the suffering associated with ALS to define her. Rather she communicated to family, friends and caregivers a spirit of optimism and gratitude for the many blessings and friendships that had enriched her life.  Her constant joy and singular purpose was the love she shared with her husband John, her two daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren.  For Pat, family was the sum and substance of her life, in her thoughts and actions it was where she started out from and would always return.  

Pat was born in Niagara Falls to Michael & Honora [Shanahan] Gallagher.  A devoted educator, mentor and advocate, she empowered many to realize and believe in the promise of their own lives. She earned her undergraduate degree from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. and masters’ degree from St John’s University in Collegeville MN.  After several years of teaching high school students in the Pittsburgh area, she joined Catholic Charities in Buffalo in the agency’s child adoption program.  A long-time employee of Niagara University she directed the University’s Higher Education Opportunity Program.  In her capacity as Director, she assisted hundreds of mostly first-generation university students overcome challenges and earn their bachelor degree.  She subsequently served as director of the Office of Academic Support, from which she retired in 2012 after 23 years at Niagara.  She served on many committees and projects advancing the University’s Vincentian ideals.  
 
Deeply committed to her family she is survived by her husband John, daughters Mary-Sarah Kinner and Kathryn (Justin) Hufmeyer and grandchildren Annie and Teddy Hufmeyer.  She is also survived by her sisters, Mary (James) Glynn and Sister Peggy Gallagher, SSJ., sisters-in-law, Mary Kay (Michael) Barzano and Sandra Gallagher, brother-in-law Christopher (Cathy) Kinner, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother, Michael F. Gallagher.

The family would like to thank the nurses at Dent Neurologic Institute and her dedicated aide, Bridget, from HART for the compassionate care and friendship they shared with Pat.
Her family will be present on Friday (Today) from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, LEWISTON, NY.
Everyone is invited to attend Pat's Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:00AM   at   Alumni Chapel at Niagara University.
In lieu of flowers. Memorials may be made in her name to Niagara Hospice, Stella Niagara Education Park and Francis Center.

 
Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.
Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.
 

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