Passed peacefully away on September 10, 2011. She was predeceased by her loving husband Karol in 2002, her brothers Alan and Gordon and her parents William and Gertrude Eccles. Kathleen was born on Walney Island, Barrow-in Furness, Cumbria, England on January 29, 1919 and educated in Haslingden, Lancashire. Towards the end of WW II she met and married Karol Manko, a member of the Polish Air Force. In 1952 they emigrated to Canada, settled in Ontario and then moved to Gander in 1961. They worked together to ensure a good life for their four daughters and instilled a strong sense of family and their English/Polish heritage. As well as being employed in various office administrative support positions throughout her career, Kathleen always enjoyed her community involvement. She was an enthusiastic member of the Gander Avion Players, Home and School Association, Beta Sigma Phi and Gander Library Board. She was a lifelong supporter of the arts and enjoyed acting and writing from a very young age. After retirement Kathleen traveled extensively and looked forward to spending time with family and friends. Left to mourn with loving memories are her four daughters and their families: Diane and Gerald (Lomond) Michael and Deanne (Lomond) and Sarah, Julia and Paul (Blake) and Noah. Elizabeth and Bill (Foster), Jennifer Foster, Stephen and Tanya (Foster) and Stone and Jersey. Kathie Manko and Doug Lutz and Rachel Lutz. Carolyn and Jim (Benninger) and Logan Benninger. Kathleen also leaves to mourn, her brother Jack, her nieces Valerie and Jacqui and nephew John. Kathleen was a special lady. Like the string of pearls she often wore, her life was clasped firmly with the love of family. Those who wish to pay their respects and visit with the family can do so at Stacey’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 14th (2-4) and (7-9) p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Martin’s Anglican Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 15th. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Our family would like to thank friends and homecare workers who have supported us enabling Kathleen to remain at home with those she loved and who loved her.