Kathryn M. Fisk

Kathryn M. (Waryas) Fisk, 72, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2025. She was born Dec. 10, 1952, in Greenfield, MA the daughter of the late Chester and Theresa (Sazama) Waryas. She graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1970 and received her Associate degree from Greenfield Community College in 1972; her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from Southeastern Massachusetts University (UMass Dartmouth) in 1974; her Master’s degree in Bio-Chemistry from Worcester State College in 1979; and her MBA from Anna Maria College in 1983. Kathryn was crowned Miss Franklin County in 1971. She leaves her husband, Paul of Bonita Springs, FL, and her loving children Brent Fisk and his wife Jessica of Princeton, MA, Gregory Fisk and his partner Ariel Gullberg of Arvada, CO, and Tyler Fisk and his wife Katerina of San Jose, CA; three grandchildren, Makayla, Brayden, and Lucy Fisk of Princeton, MA; her Sister Marie (Waryas) Weinacker and her daughter Kendra Weinacker of Bonita Springs, FL; and her brother Richard Waryas of Cardiff, CA. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert (Bobby), John (Jackie) and her God Son Brandon Weinacker. Kathryn was a dedicated Human Resource professional, who worked her way up the corporate ladder. Her HR career started at Memorial Hospital and continued at UMass Memorial in Worcester MA, University Health in Cleveland OH, Baptist Southern Hospital in Miami, FL, and ended at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, CA. She was the 2005 President of ASHHRA (American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration) and the 2006 recipient of ASHHRA’s Outstanding Leadership and Service Award. When diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer, Kathryn was told she had 90 days to live. She diligently researched pancreatic cancer treatments and identified leading treatments and research centers. As a result of her research, she pursued treatments at MD Anderson, Houston, TX, Moffitt Tampa, FL, Mass General Boston, MA, Fred Hutch Seattle, WA, Florida Cancer Specialist, and MVZ Ambulatory Oncology in Tubingen, Germany. She pursued advice from oncologists and cancer researchers throughout the country including Stanford University, the University of California San Francisco, the Mayo Clinic, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and the National Cancer Institute. She understood her treatment options and when a treatment was ineffective, she already had the next treatment planned. Kathryn’s three-and-a-half-year battle with Pancreatic cancer exemplifies how she lived: take problems head on, setbacks are challenges to be conquered, and never give up. Her tenacity gave her what she wanted most; more time with her Family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Leo’s Church in Bonita Springs FL and a reception will follow at the Bonita Springs Moose Lodge. A celebration of life will be held at the Prince of Peace Church Princeton, MA on May 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM, details of a reception will be announced. Instead of flowers please consider donations be made in Kathryn’s memory to: Pancreas Cancer Research c/o Laboratory of Dr. Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo Massachusetts General Hospital 15 Parkman St. Acc/460 Boston, MA 02114 Donations can also be made to “The Kathryn Fisk Team” walking in the PanCan Purple Stride annual walk on April 26 . Donors may access Kathryn’s team's page by clicking the following link: PurpleStride Boston 2025: Fisk Family - In Memory and Honor of Kathryn Fisk - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.

Kathryn M. Fisk

December 10, 1952 - January 25, 2025