Catherine “Kate” Tomey of Gwynn, Va., passed away March 28, 2021, with her family by her side.

She was born to the late John Kinney and Sonja Koons on Aug. 26, 1956 in Mississippi. Kate graduated from Manheim Central High School, Pa., in 1974. She served in the U.S. Air Force and had a long career in the federal civil service.
Kate married the late Vernon “Tee” Tomey in 1981, and they lived together in Hampton, Va. Yokota AFB, Japan, and Tampa, Fla. She is survived by her son, James P. Tomey of Erie, Colo. Kate is also survived by her sister, Crystal Kinney, as well as her brother, Jay Kinney. She was predeceased by her loving husband in 2019.

Kate loved woodworking, renovating, and spending time with family and friends as well as her beloved Boston terrier, Murphy. She was immensely proud of the work she had done on her homes in Tampa and Gwynn’s Island, and was always eager to help others with their own projects. Kate also took great joy in researching her family history, and enjoyed the mountains and good food.

No ceremony or services will be held. Please have a drink in her honor, whether it be a shot of Irish whiskey, a root beer, or a milkshake. The family insists that people make donations in support of cancer research in lieu of sending flowers.