Kathleen Spafford

Kathleen Gunnison Spafford, 96, passed from this life to enter God’s grace February 27, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

We share precious stories and treasured memories of this extraordinary woman who graduated from Grove City College at the close of WWII and set up home with her husband John on the Ziesenheim farm in Lake City.

A world traveler, Mom’s adventurous spirit took her to faraway places: Russia, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Greece, and New Zealand to name just a few. She loved experiencing new cultures, different nationalities, historical sites, and local food…. Oh, the food! Mom raved about every cuisine she sampled and never missed a meal! (Or a party, by the way!)

Her remarkable imagination and artistry were expressed in the hundreds of needlepoint artworks she created, an exquisite, personally designed miniature dollhouse, jewelry making at age 91, and sewing machine magic. A lifelong member of Kahkwa Club she enjoyed swimming, tennis, honing her bridge skills, and golf well into her 80s.  The people she met engaged in these activities became lifelong friends.

Mom was a longstanding member of the Carrie T. Watson Garden Club, Delta Sigma Sorority, Girard United Methodist Church, Craft Club, and Neighborhood Club. She volunteered for many years with Visiting Nurses and at Asbury Woods with her garden club.

She is survived by her children John Ziesenheim and Sharon, Trill Dreistadt and Steve, and Chris Ziesenheim and Shelly, and stepdaughter Char McDermott.  Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews complete a rich family circle.

Mom, you have been an inspiration to us all with your optimistic outlook on life and unfailing belief that good will prevail.  You have shown us how to cry, grieve, and move on into the light because that’s where the dreams are…and that’s where life is lived. All these years we’ve learned from the principles that have guided your life:  how to walk tall, straight, and gracefully forward, express joy and gratitude instead of complaints, be unwavering in love of family and friends, not to be defeated by life’s trials.

And always, you have built a lasting foundation as you encouraged us to be our own person, to pursue our own passions, to master the skills that would bring us the best and most complete happiness, and to embrace joy, kindness, generosity. You have created an enduring legacy of love and laughter and have enriched the lives of all who knew you beyond measure…such an immeasurable loss; such immeasurable love left behind.  We will miss you always.

A Celebration of Life will be held in June to commemorate the life of our beautiful mother.  Arrangements entrusted to the Burton Funeral Home, Girard.

Charitable gifts may be made to the Lincoln Erie County Public Library, 1255 Manchester Road, Erie, PA 16505 or Asera Hospice Care, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505.

Condolences may be sent to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com