Obituary of Kathryn Whitman

Kathryn Emily Whitman, 76, of St. Petersburg, passed away suddenly and way too soon on Monday April 10, 2023. She is survived by her spouse of 43 years, Catherine Rion Gabel, her lemon beagle Molly, her brother Larry Schultz of Weaverville NC, a son Michael, and grandchildren Steph a n Michael jr. of Tampa.

In 1976, after receiving her Masters degree from the University of South Florida, she became a pharmaceutical representative for Burroughs Wellcome and when she retired in 2004, she was the HIV liaison for Glaxo Smith Kline in Washington DC.

She was always volunteering, whether it was for domestic abuse shelters or the Smithsonian Associates in Washington DC. After retiring, she and her spouse bought a fifth wheel and a big truck and volunteered for the National Parks and US Fish and Wildlife. After seven years of volunteering, they traveled to all seven continents and India.

She was having memory problems, but always put on a happy face, complimenting people and making them laugh. She was a bright spot in the lives of those she met. She will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, it would be appreciated in a donation was made in her name to The USF Foundation, Inc.; Byrd Research Fund 250148. This is the Alzheimer’s Institute that helped Kay so much. Contributions can be mailed to USF Foundation, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ALC 101, Tampa FL 33620.