Hanover, N.H.
She was born on Sept. 25, 1947 to John and Gertrude (Veltman) Bovenkerk, of West Chester, Pa. Kathy grew up in West Chester and married Greg Marshall soon after her graduation from Westminster College.
With a graduate degree from Boston College, she began working with visually challenged students supporting multiple schools. Kathy and Greg moved to Meriden in 1980 where Kathy’s passion as an educator became a career in interdisciplinary caring for newborns to 3year olds, first at United Developmental Services and later at Pathways. Along the way, she became the director of her program, helped found the Early Childhood Mental Health Network, and was active in many special needs support organizations.
She was a regional champion in the field of Early Supports and Services insuring the youngest of children received the care they needed to thrive. Kathy was always the face of quiet wisdom and deep caring for others within her community, reflecting her dignity, grace, and perseverance.
In Meriden, she was active in virtually every aspect of the Meriden Congregational Church, which she loved and where she served in essentially every capacity. She particularly enjoyed being a Deacon, singing in the choir, teaching the children’s choir, and playing the church organ as a fillin organist.
Through her last days, Kathy filled her favorite role as the coordinator of the Caregivers Team, ensuring meals, cards, and activities were provided for her church family and beyond.
Kathy’s spirit for her work and friendships inspired many in their service to others, support for those most vulnerable, pursuit of music, love of gardening, and so much more. Her legacy lives on in the thousands of children and families that she touched. Last fall, she was honored with the Micah Hero Award, sponsored by the United Valley Interfaith Project, for her commitment to living her faith and making a difference in the Upper Valley and beyond.
Kathy is survived by Carl Sandin, her dear friend and beloved companion of Hanover; her daughter and her fiancé, Jill Marshall and Sean Teehan of Asheville, N.C.; her son, Kevin Marshall of Lebanon; her sister, Carol (John) Edgar of Coatesville, Pa.; her brothers, Rodger Bovenkerk of Coatesville, Pa. and Richard (Andrea) Bovenkerk of West Chester, Pa.; her nephews, Ross (Natasha), John Michael (Cassie) and Alex; her sisterinlaw and niece, Donna and Amy Barnes of Bear, DE; Carl’s children, Eric (Kathleen) Sandin of Freeport, Maine, Carrie (Jim) Sandin of Lyme, N.H., Cristina (Bill) Hammond of Hanover, Peter (Micheline) Sandin of Barrington, N.H., and Alie (Andrew) Sandin Bakaj of Springfield, Va., and his grandchildren, Tina, Tom (Maggie), Francesca, Lucy, Névé, Soren, and Nori; her former husband, Gregory Marshall of Lebanon, N.H.; and numerous close friends.
A memorial celebration is planned for Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Meriden Congregational Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Special Needs Support Center, 12 Flynn Street, Lebanon 03766 and the Meriden Congregational Church, PO Box 187, Meriden, N.H. 03770.
Messages of condolence may be expressed with the family through an online guestbook by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.