Obituary: Kathleen Kobacker Remembered As Selfless Volunteer

Kobacker, Kathleen M. (McGovern) of Hilton Head Island, died peacefully on Saturday, February 5, 2022, in her home, surrounded by her family.

Provided by The Island Funeral Home

Kathleen was born in Mount Kisco, NY on January 22, 1939, the daughter of Hugh and Katharine (Timlin) McGovern. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School, she attended Wood secretarial school and worked for several years at IBM in Somers, NY. Soon after graduating, she met her future husband, Edward Kobacker, at a graduation party. Ed & Kathleen were married at St. Mary’s Church in Mount Kisco on September 10, 1960.

The Kobackers moved to Yorktown Heights, NY and began raising a growing family. Kathleen was a devoted member of St. Elizabeth Anne Seton Catholic Church and was active in parish and school activities. In 1973, the family relocated to Sleepy Hollow, NY where Kathleen remained active in many spiritual and volunteer activities, including Meals on Wheels and Transfiguration School and Church. The family then moved to Richardson, TX where she met so many wonderful friends, and became a familiar face at Fretz Park Tennis Center and All Saints Catholic Church. In 1985, the family moved to Germantown, TN where Kathleen continued to make new friends and became an active volunteer at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital with her daughter Karen. In 1998, Ed & Kathleen retired to Hilton Head Island where Kathleen continued to volunteer at her church, Holy Family, where she faithfully attended Adoration, and in her neighborhood with the Wexford Cares group.

Kathleen was accomplished at many things, but the one she is most beloved for was her ability to listen and make people feel special. She was an amazing example of being a loyal and devoted friend and with her laughter and sense of humor, made the energy in any room feel brighter.

Kathleen is survived by her daughters Susan M. Hall (James) of Hilton Head Island, and Karen E. Kobacker Rae of E. Falmouth, MA. She is also survived by ten cherished grandchildren, Ryan Moore (Astrella), Melissa James (Brandon), Sean Hall (Shelby), Brendan, Katie, and Colin Hall, and Margaret, Patrick, Gavin, and Hugh James Rae, and 3 great-grandchildren, Alex and Emi Moore and Caiden James. Kathleen was predeceased by her devoted husband Edward Joseph Kobacker, her daughter Kathleen Ann Moore and her son Edward H. Kobacker.

The family would like to thank Integrity Home Care, especially Marie, Zilifia, Pat and Maria for their amazing caretaking, love and dedication to Kathleen while she was in their care.

A private memorial service will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, in July. The Island Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry (hospicecarelc.org), The Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org), or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).