Kathleen "Kathy" G. Pickens

Kathleen "Kathy" G. Pickens (affectionately called "Kitten" by her father), age 69, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice after an extended illness. Born on August 3, 1955, in Cleveland, OH, Kathy was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas M. Gibbons and Rita (née Nicholas) Gibbons, who survives. She moved to Bonita Springs in March 2024 after residing in Silver Springs, MD. Kathy was a proud graduate of Charleston Catholic High School in Charleston, WV, and attended Marshall University in Huntington, WV. She began her service career in the Maryland public school system and went on to dedicate most of her professional life to special education in the Fairfax and Richmond, Virginia school systems. Working with autistic and severely handicapped children, Kathy found deep purpose and joy in her work. She concluded her career at The Arc House in Maryland, retiring in 2011. Kathy absolutely loved children and was known as the "fun aunt" by her nieces and nephews. She always showed up with a car full of prizes. Kathy would bring all the children together to play games, especially bingo, and they would leave happy with hands full of their winnings. Kathy also loved animals, especially dogs, which she was known to rescue throughout her life. She leaves behind the pet "love of her life", named Lucy, who she cared for like a child. Kathy will be remembered as a devoted daughter, loving mother and grandmother, and a caring sister and aunt. She is survived by her beloved mother, Rita Gibbons of Bonita Springs, FL; her daughter and son-in-law Colleen and Dustin Merryman, of Washington, DC; and her treasured grandchildren, Natalie, Charlie, and Samantha. She also leaves behind six brothers and one sister: Michael Gibbons (Sondra) of Toledo, OH and Estero, FL; Timothy Gibbons (Christine) of Charleston, WV; Gregory Gibbons (Becky) of Columbus, OH; Thomas "Todd" Gibbons (Alice) of Summit, NJ; Mary G. Myers (Jack) of Towson, MD; Brian Gibbons (Martha) of Kent Island, MD; and David Gibbons (Mary Clark) of Owings Mills, MD. Kathy was adored by her large extended family, including 23 nieces and nephews and 33 great-nieces and great-nephews. A Memorial Service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail South, Bonita Springs, FL. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/events/s/celebration-of-life-for-kathle/994636919100522/ To sign her guest register or leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home – Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Kathleen "Kathy" G. Pickens

August 3, 1955 - May 11, 2025