Kathleen Bridget (Gavagan) Gosine

Herkimer, NY – Kathleen “Bridget” (Gavagan) Gosine, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at her home in Davenport, FL at the age of 63. A proud native of Herkimer, Bridget graduated from Herkimer High School in 1974.  After high school, she entered the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, NY.  She was employed in the food industry for the next 42 years, specializing in pastry.  Her career took her from Herkimer to Syracuse, Denver, Reno, Hilton Head and Orlando FL.  She retired from Disney World’s Grand Floridian Hotel in 2016. She served as the pastry chef at their flagship 5 Diamond restaurant, Victoria and Albert’s.  Bridget’s passion for baking began at a very young age.  Her most treasured childhood gift was her Easy Bake Oven.  As she grew older, she could often be found in the Gavagan kitchen whipping up saucepan brownies, cookies and other delicious treats for her siblings, friends and neighbors. She had many treasured memories of times spent together in that kitchen with her precious mother and mentor, Joan.    Born on March 17th, Bridget was very proud of her Irish heritage, something that was instilled by her father.  Her St Patrick’s Day parties, costumes, props and exploits were legendary. She often traveled back to Herkimer to celebrate the occasion with her many friends and family.  Bridget’s second favorite holiday was Halloween. She loved dressing up in her many crazy costumes. She magically transformed her front yard into a spooky graveyard filled with a collection of life sized characters and decorations she acquired over the years.  Friends and neighbors looked forward to gathering there each year on Halloween.  Bridget treasured her friends and family. She had a wonderful and quirky sense of humor. She loved bringing people together, young and old, to laugh and play.  Beginning in her later teens, Bridget hosted many parties on the back porch of her beloved family home. Everyone was welcome and Bridget always made you feel special.  This cherished group of friends became known as the “Back Porch Coalition”.  She looked forward to reuniting with them every summer in Herkimer.  Bridget also had many close friends, neighbors and coworkers in Orlando who loved her deeply and will miss her greatly.  Throughout her life, Bridget had a deep connection to her many dogs, especially Reesie.  Her dogs brought her a tremendous amount of love and comfort throughout her life.  She loved all animals and was committed to protecting them and ending animal abuse. More recently she dreamed of rescuing a senior dog as a companion for herself and Sophie. Bridget was deeply committed and passionate about supporting those who were suffering from and affected by Alzheimer’s disease.  Bridget’s mother, Joan, an accomplished cook and caterer, developed Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Joan was unable to complete her dream of publishing a cookbook.  Bridget worked tirelessly to complete the project. “Soup Classics from Custom Catering” was published in time for her mother to enjoy and realize her dream.  The proceeds from book sales were donated to supporting Alzheimer’s research.  For the past 9 years, Bridget participated in the Orlando Walk to End Alzheimer’s and raised a total of over $16,000.  She was named Grand Champion (top individual participant) for the past 5 years. Bridget was a gifted and talented writer. She expressed herself beautifully on her Facebook posts, cards and letters. She wrote eloquent stories about her friends and family, many of which she posted on her Alzheimer s Walk Facebook page. She always took the time to comfort those who were hurting and sincerely thank people who supported her in her endeavors. Facebook truly was invaluable to her. It brought her a great deal of comfort and connected her to the many people whose lives she touched. Bridget also loved music.  She loved hearing live music during her summer visits to Rochester. She also loved listening to her treasured playlist that her bother-in-law, Rob, put on her phone. Bridget was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Joan Gavagan and her stepson, Werner Gosine.  She is survived by her husband, Aswini Gosine, step sons Jai, Jason, and Rama Gosine, daughter-in-law Donna, grandchildren Valini, Ajai, Zoe, Ranai and her beloved fur baby, Sophie.  She also leaves her siblings: Teresa, Kevin (Nancy) and Tim Gavagan, Brenda (Rob) Gioia, Dennis (Julie Curbeam) Gavagan, Ann Amodt (her sister from another mother), many beloved nieces, nephews, Aunt Pat and Uncle Tom aka Boo/Farkle.  She leaves too many loving friends to list. You know who you are. Arrangements are entrusted to Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations.  Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Bridget’s life on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 2 PM.  It will be held at the Irish Cultural Center, 623-601 Columbia St, Utica, NY.  A reception will follow from 3-5 PM. There will be no prior calling hours.  Burial will be private.  Please visit www.mohawkvalleyfunerals.com  to add to Bridget's online memorial and to continue to remember her beautiful life. In lieu of flowers and for those wishing to do so, we ask that you kindly consider contributing to the following causes that were so very close to Bridget’s heart: The Alzheimer’s Association:  http://act.alz.org/goto/Bridget_Gavagan_Gosine  (click on “Make a Donation”). Daniel Dunn Memorial Scholarship: send checks to Herkimer High School ? Kim Lanza, 801 W. German St, Herkimer, NY 13350. The Mr. Mo Project (a nationwide rescue for senior dogs): donate online  http://www.mrmoproject.com  (click on “Donate”) or by mailing checks to The Mr. Mo Project, 641 Grooms Rd #2, Clifton Park, NY 12605. Please indicate on all checks or online donations:  “In memory of Bridget Gavagan Gosine” so they may be tracked by her family. Bridget had a strong belief that we are all surrounded and protected by angels.  She was indeed one of God’s angels on Earth. “How wonderful it must be to speak the language of angels, with no words for hate and a million words for love!” Eileen Elias Freeman