Kathleen “Kathie” Mulligan Gross, 78, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, surrounded by her family after a courageous four-year battle fighting endometrial cancer.

Born on September 16, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, Kathie grew up on Long Island, New York. She graduated from Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, New York, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Throughout her life, Kathie called many places home, including New York, New Jersey and Ohio, where she raised her family, before eventually settling in Florida.

Kathie was a woman of remarkable character. Tenacious, fearless, and fiercely protective of those she loved, she approached life with determination, courage, and grace. Her strength was matched only by her selflessness and unwavering commitment to her family which was at the heart of everything she did.

Throughout her career, Kathie worked as a successful Human Resources professional where she was highly regarded. In her retirement years, she was an independent insurance agent in The Villages, Florida. It is here where she guided many individuals through the complexities of their healthcare needs, reflecting her dedication, compassion, and willingness to advocate for others.

When Kathie was not working, she could be found shopping until she dropped or at home cooking and bringing her family together around the table. She especially loved preparing an Italian feast, filling her home with delicious food, laughter, and the warmth of family. These gatherings often continued with lively card games, especially the game 31 while a box of Whitman’s chocolates was passed around the table.

Above all, Kathie's greatest pride and joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Dorothy Mulligan. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Gross; her three daughters, Alison Klie (Todd), Jodie Shaw, and Samantha MacPherson (Michael); and her four cherished grandchildren, Audrey Klie, Natalie Klie, Madeline Shaw, and Gabriel MacPherson.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made in Kathie’s memory to GOG Foundation, which helps fund clinical trials for gynecological cancers at https://www.gog.org/new-horizons/.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by light refreshments. Please consider wearing the color teal to recognize gynecological cancers. St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7081 SE Highway 42, Summerfield, FL 34491.

May her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.