Kathleen McElroy

Kathleen “Kathy” Laveda Peterson McElroy, 73, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 8, 2021 in Winter Haven, FL. She spent her final days at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born January 28, 1948 in Olean, NY she grew up in Humphrey, NY, and was the daughter of the late George Peterson, Jeanne Gaynor, and Charles “Bas” Gaynor.

She was a graduate of Ellicottville Central School and Rochester Business Institute. In high school, Kathy was head cheerleader and referred to as “Pete” the bouncing blonde.

Kathy was a longtime resident of Lakeland, FL, where she raised her family and met the love of her life, Keith McElroy. She worked for IMC Global Inc. for more than twenty years and later retired with her husband to Wapwallopen, PA where she lived for more than fourteen years and was a proud member of Grace Independent Baptist Church.

Also referred to as Ma, Kath, Grandma, and Memaw by those who loved her, Kathy will be remembered as a sweet and special soul whose smile lit up a room and presence brought warmth and comfort. She will be incredibly missed but celebrated and honored by her loved ones.

Surviving are: a daughter, Melinda (Marcellus) Carrington; eighteen grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a sister, Teri (Scott) Hill; a brother, Matthew (Debra) Gaynor; four sons, Todd (Melissa) Briggs, Robert (Jenny) Briggs, Tommy (Tracy) McElroy, Fred (Shevaun) McElroy; several loving nieces and nephews.

Kathy is predeceased by endearing husband, Keith McElroy, a son, Kevin McElroy, and a sister, Rhonda Peterson.

A graveside service be in Wildwood Cemetery on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11am.

Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.