Obituary of Kathleen Marie Mikula

Kathleen Marie Walters Mikula, 88 of Stockton, passed away peacefully, Monday, November 22, 2021 at home. Born June 20, 1933 in Stockton, the youngest of eight, daughter of the late Lester Q. and Glenna Pattyson Walters. She was a 1951 graduate of Cassadaga Valley Central School, cheerfully serving in student government and diverse school clubs. As a young mother, Kathleen worked as a cashier at Tops Market in Dunkirk, proud that her cash drawer “always balanced to the penny!” Most important to her, though, was being a full time wife, mother, (and eventually), grandmother, hardworking homemaker and gracious hostess for decades of family celebrations of all kinds. Preparing and decorating for her family’s Christmas celebrations was one of her favorite activities, always with creative flair, sumptuous meals and the perfect gifts under the tree for everyone. Carrying family tradition forward, she served for decades as Secretary and Pied Piper, helping keep her maternal family reunion going strong. It was established in 1933, when she was a babe in arms and last met in 2019. Outside of family life, Kathleen volunteered for forty seven years with the Cassadaga Memorial American Legion Auxiliary, serving as Secretary, 1981-1983. She and a group of “Downey Mothers” gathered over many years to share their unique experiences as mothers of children with Down Syndrome. She also enjoyed Bingo, trips to the casino, besting all challengers at Scrabble, traveling to interesting destinations with her friends in senior citizen groups and enjoying popular music, singing uninhibitedly. Her kitchen radio was most often tuned to the Top 40 country station. Any and all were often invited for an impromptu dance. She was noted for her baking skills with memorable pies, her “famous chocolate cake” and hearty homemade soups. She was always ready to welcome unexpected guests with her characteristic hospitality. No one ever left her table hungry. Devoted wife of fifty six years and five weeks to Joseph “Joe” Mikula, Sr.; loving and proud mother to Douglas Conroe (Bridget) of Las Vegas, David Conroe (Rebecca) of Gerry, Judy Harris (Ed) of Wilson, NC, Michael Mikula of Cleveland, OH, Joseph Mikula, Jr. (Kelly Powell) of Stockton, Jennifer Mikula (Frank Olmstead) of Gerry, Erin Mikula of Jamestown and step mother to Robert Mikula (Brenda) of Apache Junction, AZ; Kathleen adored being grandmother to Kristen Marciniak (David) David Conroe (Kristin), Danielle Conroe, Sean Conroe, Brittany Tabbi (Nick), Chad, Taylor and Kyle Harris, Mack and Mallory Mikula, Tanner Olmstead, Ron Dailey (Rhonda); great grandmother to Finnegan Marciniak, Garrett, Quinn,Emersyn and Gracyn Conroe, Ava and Brodie Fenton, Mason Muscarella, Adelyn, Everly and Bryce Tabbi, Britnie Barmore (Jake), Brenan Dailey; and great, great grandmother to Emmy and Lane Barmore; One of the seven “Walters girls”, Kathleen is the sister of Barbara Marr of Grand Junction, CO, the late Quinby Walters, Virginia Wilcox, Marjorie Faber, Marvel Harper, Natalie Allshouse and Janet Walker; Sister-in-law of Lottie Smith, Menifee, CA, Betty Mikula, Cassadaga, and Tony Mikula, Jamestown. She is also survived by dozens of loving nieces and nephews. Kathleen’s family wishes to thank the caring staff at Bergquist Manor in Gerry, Memory Garden in Jamestown; her dedicated home caregivers, Miranda Nixon, Rondee Boyland, Becky Donisi, Shelby Skelly, Mary Butcher, Sherry McCarthy, Emily Panek and the entire Hospice support staff for their expert and sensitive guidance for her care at home where she was “so happy” to return in June. Graveside service 1 p.m. Friday, November 26 at Cassadaga Cemetery, followed by light refreshments and fellowship in the community meeting room at the Cassadaga American Legion Post. A Celebration Of Life Memorial will be held for Kathleen in June of 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to: Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, or Chautauqua Regional Community Foundation, Katy Campbell Rexford Fund (in support of local Special Olympic athletes) Arrangements by Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville. To send a condolence please visit jordansinclairville.com.