OLEAN – Kathleen J. “Grammie” McGonnell, 71, passed away on Saturday (Nov. 26, 2022) at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 15, 1951, she was the daughter of Clifford and Dorothy Taft Blakeslee. On May 25, 2002, at their family home, she married James McGonnell.

Kathleen was a 1969 graduate of Olean High School, then went on to attend the former Olean Business Institute and receive her certification in accounting. Kathleen retired as a civilian procurement specialist for the U.S. Navy.

She was a member of the Eagles Club Auxiliary, Portville American Legion Auxiliary and the Hinsdale American Legion Auxiliary.

Kathleen loved to do crypto-puzzles and mahjong. She was an avid sport fan, loved the Yankees and recently became a Buffalo Bills fan. Most of all she enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports.

Surviving including her husband, is a daughter, Bridget (Michael) Retchless of Olean; two stepsons, James McGonnell II of Alden and Kurtis McGonnell of Salamanca; two sisters, Patricia (Phil) Smith of Olean and Sherry (Bill) Connor of Olean; two grandchildren, Sarah (Steve) Gerhard and Justin (Hannah Wilber) Retchless; three step-grandchildren, Marissa McGonnell, Grayson McGonnell and Kullan McGonnell; a special great-grandson, Colt John Gerhard; and many nieces and nephews with whom she was very close.

Preceding her in death, including her parents, was a brother, Amos Blakeslee; and a sister, Beverly Talbott Smith.

There will be no services at this time.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Seeing Eye, a charity for the blind.

Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com.