FAMILY and friends from Wellington and across the central west gathered yesterday to celebrate and farewell an inspirational woman who gave so much and inspired so many.
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Kathryn Maree Knowles, better known as Kath, died last week after a short battle with cancer.
The Wellington-born woman and former mayor of Bathurst died in Canberra on November 19.
She was 39 years old.
It was standing room only at Wellington’s St Patrick’s Church as family, friends and councillors from Wellington, Bathurst, Orange and other towns packed out a celebration of the life of Kath.
Husband Paul McCrohan spoke of a woman who packed so much into life.
“Today is not a time for mourning, but a time for celebrating,” Mr McCrohan said.
“By the order of Kath Knowles – you must rejoice. No one was prepared for such a rapid disease.”
The congregation heard of a woman who never feared death, who was courageous and tenacious and who achieved so many goals thanks to her upbringing in the tight-knit community of Wellington.
“Kath was mayor and administrator of Bathurst City Council and in 2006 she joined the team at Country Energy,” Mr McCrohan said.
“Your pain has finally ended. You’ll forever be in my heart.”
Kath’s parents Tom and Susie Knowles spoke of their eldest daughter who enjoyed her early years and had fun.
“Nothing she did was half-paced,” Mrs Knowles said. “Thank you for being our daughter.”
Loving father Tom said his daughter inspired everybody.
“She was determined to walk her own way and was an inspiration.”
Seven weeks after Kath fell ill she was diagnosed with incurable, inoperable liver cancer. Mr McCrohan said the following day the couple applied for passports and had their hearts set on an overseas trip.
“But it wasn’t to be,” Mr McCrohan said.
“Shortly after that we moved to Canberra and she went to the Clare Holland Hospice.
“Hold on to your special thoughts of Kath, as that’s what she would have wanted you to do.”
