Kathleen Marie Whelan Ulm

Kathy was our dear, treasured sister. She was a remarkable women who accomplished much in her lifetime. Her passions were deeply felt and they were her guiding beacon. Kathy was born in New Haven, Connecticut, October 5th 1946, a daughter of Francis and Ruth Whelan. She earned a master’s degree, with a concentration in marriage & Family and addiction studies from Southern Connecticut University.
She worked in the field of addiction services for over 25 years at Rushford Center in Middletown, Connecticut, where she retired as vice president of behavioral health. Kathy was a member of AA for 43 years. During that time she was quietly active and supported so many people struggling with addiction. Kathy was an avid sports fan.
She followed the Yankees and rarely missed the opening of baseball season. She also enjoyed watching basketball. She rooted for UCONN women’s team and FSGU women’s and men’s teams.
Relationships were of utmost importance to Kathy. She always made time to spend with family and friends up north even after she permanently transplanted to Fort Myers Florida. Kathy was a special aunt to her nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. She spent many hours searching for the perfect gifts and cheering for them at their sporting events. Until her death, Kathy was very active in the Iona-Hope Episcopal Church in Fort Meyers Florida. She served on the vestry, the pastoral care team, volunteered in the church thrift shop and All God’s Creatures Pet Ministry. She also spent many hours volunteering for her condo association. Kathy was devoted to her Standard Poodles giving them much love and caring time. Her poodles would be her driving buddy on her many trips back to Connecticut. She is survived by her sisters Maureen Whelan, Rosemary Bunton (John), Dr. Richard Whelan (Sandy). And many nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at Iona-Hope Episcopal Church 9650 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers FL on November 30th at 9am. The service will be live streamed on the website www.Iona-hope.org In lieu of flowers we ask those who want to honor Kathy’s memory to make a donation to the Iona-Hope Episcopal Church.