VENTNOR – Educators and students in the city schools are mourning the sudden loss of their beloved school secretary.
Kathleen “Kathie” McKinney, 69, who lived in Egg Harbor Township, passed away on Tuesday, June 11 at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Campus after a brief illness.
Ventnor Education Association President Gina Perkins said she was “the heart and soul” of the Ventnor Educational Community Complex.
McKinney was secretary in the Ventnor Elementary School, where she greeted parents and visitors with competence and a smile.
“She loved being there for people. Our staff became a family to her,” Superintendent Eileen Johnson said.
Johnson said McKinney was known for her support of the teaching staff.
“Kathie took our younger teachers under her wing,” Johnson said. “She celebrated their successes, watched over them during their pregnancies, and were there for them when they needed her the most.”
Teacher Michele Masterman said she was “an amazing friend, so kind, caring, thoughtful and helpful.”
According to her obituary, McKinney was happiest when she was with other people. She was involved with the Girl Scouts, and was a hockey and marching band mom. She liked baking and sharing her bounty with school employees.
She is survived by her children Michael Venere and his wife Nicole, and Marcie Burruezo and her husband Robert, and sisters, Patricia and Ellen. She was proudest of her four grandchildren, Alexis, Emma, Benjamin and Robert, and loved her dog Shelby Lynn, who was with her when she became ill. She is predeceased by her daughter Melissa Venere.
Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road in Washington Township is handling funeral arrangements. Viewing will be held 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 with funeral service at 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Atlantic County, 1401 Absecon Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.
For her full obituary or post condolences, see www.egizifuneral.com.
