Kathleen Mary Hodgins, of Allentown, PA, (formerly of Milford, PA and Palm Coast, FL) passed away on October 13, 2024. She was 78 years young. Born on January 8, 1946 and raised in Manchester, NH, she was the daughter of Stanley and Cecile Dubisz. As a child, she learned French from her "Memere" and grew up baby-sitting her dearly-loved siblings and cousins. She made her first and only television debut in the peanut gallery on The Howdy Doody Show.  She was the queen of the prom and loved to dance.

As a young adult, "Kathie" was a homemaker and mother of three children in Sparta NJ, where she started employment as a dental assistant. She was later known as "Kate" and began her foray in the retail sector, where she put her gift of gab to work and never looked back. She worked for many years as a PA state liquor store manager and later as a Rite Aid pharmacy technician. Most recently, she volunteered her time at the Lehigh Valley Hospital gift shop. On Sunday afternoons, you could find her playing Mexican Train dominos with her friends at Devonshire Park Apartments.

Kate had expensive taste (especially for shoes), but led a simple life. She loved English muffins spread with butter and jelly. Like English muffins, her life had many nooks & crannies. She was often the life of the party and the silliest in the room. She loved sharing a home-cooked meal, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine with friends. By contrast, she savored her quiet "pajama days" where she spent hours reading, watching PBS, or chatting on the phone. During challenging times, she leaned on her faith and sense of humor.

The matriarch of the family, Kate is survived by three children: Greg Hagaman, Merrilee Durrwachter (Michael), & Marissa Melone (Mike); five grandchildren (who knew her as "Grammie"): Riley & Jackie Melone, Katrina & Kyle Durrwachter, & Shane Hagaman; brother, Jeff Dubisz; first husband, Charles Hagaman; Hodgins/Watson family members; dear Devonshire friends; & beloved cat, Francie.  She was preceded in death by: husband and love of her life, Gerald Hodgins; parents; sister, Diane Dubisz; Auntie Jeanette Walters; & several cherished dogs.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in Kate's name may be made to the animal shelter of your choice or VFW Post 5360, 85 Mill St, Newton, NJ 07860 (checks payable to "VFW Post 5360").