Kathleen M. (Basher) O'Donnell

March 14, 2018. Beloved wife of Vincent D., dearly loved mother of Kevin P. and Thomas V. Beloved daughter of Walter W. Basher (Noreen Burke) and the late Dolores Killion Basher. Dear sister of Donna Leonard (Ken), Mark (Marcella), Michael (Linda), Walter, and Lori (Cynthia). Adored by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call at the Logan Funeral Home, 57 South Eagle Road, Havertown, PA, on Monday evening, March 19th from 6 to 8 PM. Visitation also on Tuesday, March 20th at 10 AM at St. Denis Church, 2401 Saint Denis Lane, Havertown, PA, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. Interment at St. Denis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Kathy’s memory to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 E. Marshall St., West Chester, PA, 19380, Attn: Heidi Owen.

Kathy is also survived by Vince’s family, James, John, Joseph (Kathy, deceased), Daniel (Karen), and by a multitude of nieces and nephews who truly loved her. Fun and adventure always ensued when Aunt Kathy was around! Among her beloved nieces and nephews are: Jennifer Wojtczak (Joseph), James Joynt (Mallory), Joshua Basher (Pam), Stephanie Jones (Eric), Jamie Jones (Billy), Paul Basher, Casey Basher, Sarah Basher, Hannah Basher, Jordan Basher, Aiden Wojtczak, Parker Wojtczak, Reese Wojtczak, Darla Jones, Hailey Basher, Jim O’Donnell, Michelle Morris, Amy Clemens, Brian O’Donnell, Michael O’Donnell, John O’Donnell, David O’Donnell, Laura Henderson, Sarah Work, Shawn O’Donnell, Daniel O’Donnell, and Jennifer Coleman.

Kathy was born to be a caregiver, but like many of us who try to find the right career path and often struggle to find our calling, Kathy tried several career paths. One where she met her beloved husband and one as a volunteer and organizer for local politics, for which she received acknowledgement letters from some major political candidates. She then stumbled onto what truly became her passion in life in becoming a hospice nurse. Kathy got a lot of practice in taking care of our mother for a number of years and then began her journey, working part time as a home health aide prior to getting her nursing and Bachelor’s degrees and winding up with Neighborhood Hospice, a team of truly dedicated professional “angels” who help many families and their loved ones in time of need.

So many of the families she helped over the years expressed their gratitude for that precious time she helped them gain with their loved ones by helping to manage their pain and enable them to sleep comfortably and communicate with their loved ones. She was especially torn up over her young patients and they always asked for her at Penn to assist with these families. She truly was the best at what she did and it is certainly not an easy job to do. One regret she mentioned was not pursuing her Master’s degree so she could teach as she truly loved helping others learn about what she did and loved helping new hospice nurses with the benefit of her experience. She often spoke about writing a book on the topic as well but sadly, didn’t have the benefit of time to do all she wanted to do.

Kathy was not afraid to speak her mind as an advocate for injustice and the rights of others, or about anything, really, and will be forever missed for her love and dedication. For our family, we have lost the benefit of the great memory she had to recall family details, and the creative and artistic touch she brought to family gatherings - as well as the little pranks she pulled that would so amuse her (and us). Kathy had a great way with people old and young, and a way of keeping in touch with extended family and friends over the years. She will be sorely missed by all but will live on in the memories of the many people whose lives she touched.