Rita Edith Pemberton

Kathleen (Kathie) McKee Kateley Bramlette, born on 21 November 1942 in Madison, WI, passed away in the early hours of 11 October 2024 while in hospice care at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. She is survived by her devoted husband and partner of over sixty years, Larry; her loving family, Jennifer with husband Joe, and Neil with wife Shannon; her grandchildren – Spencer with fiancée Lucy and Alexis; as well as her “adopted family” of Melissa and her two daughters, Natalia and Madison. She leaves behind her Uncle Walt, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a close-knit group of life-long friends. Kathie's life was rich with experiences, laughter, and a profound ability to connect with others. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Wilmington, DE in the class of 1960, and from Johns Hopkins Hospital, School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD, in the class of 1963. Married to Larry in June 1964, she embarked on her life as wife for 60+ years, a professional nurse for 33 years, and a mother for 55 years. In her life, Kathie applied her intelligence, sense of duty, and compassion to helping others and making a positive impact. In her professional life as a Registered Nurse, Kathie served as a Hospital Staff Nurse, a Pediatric Nurse, and a Community Health Nurse for the Hazel Hill Healthcare program, where she made significant contributions to the lives of many residents for over 15 years. Kathie was also a devoted "Army Wife" for 30 years, supporting her husband, an Army officer, through 18 relocations. She embraced the challenges of military life with grace and patience. She had a remarkable talent for transforming each new house into a warm and inviting home (it was the hand-sewn curtains!) and keeping her family strong and connected no matter where the Army sent them. She even learned new languages and how to drive on the “wrong side” of the road. An interested and involved mother, Kathie was committed to providing the best of lives to her children. When they were young, Kathie led Brownie, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts troops, and organized Church youth group activities. As they grew, she encouraged them to carve their own paths in life, supporting them at every turn as they built careers, picked life partners, and chose where they wanted to settle. Known for her boundless empathy, Kathie was a pillar of support for her family and friends, always ready with a compassionate ear and wise advice. Kathie's spirit was also playful, and she enjoyed pulling occasional pranks on her husband, starting in her nursing school days, leaving everyone who heard the stories in fits of laughter. (Who wants chocolate covered bugs posing as caramels for dessert?!) Her sense of humor shone through in her favorite radio host, Sir Terry Wogan, and movie, “Sister Act”, and she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like indulging in chocolate cake and ice cream. Traveling was one of Kathie's greatest joys and her sense of adventure took her to many beautiful places and countries, with England and Hawaii holding a special place in her heart. She particularly enjoyed touring historic and stately manor homes and castles. Kathie's love for life was evident in her hobbies, which included shopping for antiques, reading historical novels, sewing clothes and costumes for family members, and learning everything there was to know about modern and alternative medicine. Later in life, Kathie developed an interest in stone circles and with great delight learned to dowse for lay lines with wire coat hangers. She also loved to sing and dance. She shared her enthusiasm for music by cheerleading and playing the drums in High School. She was also the star and sang the lead role of Annie Oakley in her high school musical “Annie Get Your Gun”. In the 1970s, she would join the local Sweet Adelines chapter where she lived and would travel with them to perform. With her dance and life partner Larry, she won a number of jitterbug dance competitions. She always wanted to learn Irish Dance, but instead settled for attending Riverdance performances. Kathie held a special place in her heart for her furry companions – her deeply cherished black cocker spaniel, Ebony, whom she still missed after almost 50 years; Bear, the Persian cat whose grumpy antics entertained her for almost 17 years; Lily, her son’s dog who would come to stay occasionally and became part of the special pet family. They are surely with her now, having waited with Poppy, Mrs. Elvis, Pippi, and others beloved pets waiting on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge for her to cross. Kathie will be remembered for her love of family, her adventurous spirit, and her unwavering support for those in need. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and empathetic generosity. She will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will cherish their memories of her as a wonderful, intelligent, compassionate individual with a remarkable zest for life. She is already deeply missed. A celebration of life for Rita will be held Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, 1621 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401, followed by a reception at 3:00 PM.