AMHERST-Kathleen Olga (Young) Glowacki, 70, passed away on February 11, 2011 at Knollwood Nursing Home in West Boylston, Massachusetts. She was born on September 14, 1940 in Schenectady, New York to Kenneth and Olga Young. With three brothers, Kathy quickly developed into a strong, self-reliant young woman.
She attended Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Senior High School where she was voted “Best Dancer.” She attended Potsdam State College and received her teaching degree in 1962. It was there she met Mike Glowacki. They married in August, 1962 and had two daughters. Kathy began teaching in Ballston Spa, New York and remained in the school system for many years becoming a highly regarded Middle School math teacher and Chairperson of the Math Department. Many of her dearest, lifelong friends were her fellow teachers.
Kathy enjoyed traveling, dining out, and being with family and friends.
In 1982 she met Ralph Ecobelli and they enjoyed twenty-one years together. Wanting to be close to her family, she decided to relocate permanently to Massachusetts. Eventually she needed care and resided at Knollwood Nursing Home the past year where she received outstanding attention from the Nursing and CNA staff and much love and support from UMASS Memorial Hospice staff and volunteers as well as special friends who visited her often.
Although Kathy faced many challenges, her fabulous sense of humor could lighten any situation and her strength earned her much respect. Her family wishes to express deep gratitude for all those who shared in her life.
Kathy is survived by her two daughters Linda Findlay and her husband Jeff Findlay of Northampton, MA, and Karyn Wagner and her husband Mark Wagner of Boylston, MA. She is also survived by her greatest joys in life, her grandchildren; Jackson, Emma, and Lila Findlay, and Casey and Benjamin Wagner. In addition, she is survived by her brothers Kenneth and his wife Judy of Atlanta, Georgia and William and his wife Barbara of Saratoga Springs, New York, her sisters-in-law Patricia Young of Tucson, Arizona and Barbara Page of Auburn, New York as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Douglas, and her partner of many years, Ralph Ecobelli.
Her memorial service will be held Monday, February 21, at 3:00 pm at the Armer Funeral Home, Ballston Spa, New York. Calling hours will precede the service from 1-3pm. Burial will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 and encourages everyone to brighten someone’s day by visiting a nursing home soon. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, is directing local arrangements.