RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Kathleen M. Lakata age 77 of Bronner Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday Evening November 19, 2013 in Valley Health Services Inc., Herkimer. She had the comfort of her loving family at her side. She was born on October 11, 1936 in Nanticoke, PA, daughter of the late Andrew and Katherine McHugh Najaka.Kathleen was raised and educated in Glen Lyon, PA. Upon her graduation from high school, she furthered her education at East Stroudsburg College where she received a Masters Degree in Teaching. Kathleen played field hockey and was on the gymnastics team in college.On August 23, 1958 she united in marriage Andrew J. Lakata in Nanticoke. They first settled in Silver Springs, MD where she was a teacher in the Prince Georges County School System and in 1962 they moved to Richfield Springs. Mrs. Lakata was a teacher and a substitute teacher in the Richfield Springs School System retiring in 2007. She was a member of the Richfield Springs Sports Booster Club and was always everyones cheerleader, receiving the Athletic Hall of Fame Award in 2012. She enjoyed reading, shopping with the girls and garage sales, even conducting many memorable garage sales of her own.She was a dedicated friend to many and the most involved and dedicated gramma anyone could ask for. Surviving are her devoted husband of fifty-five years, Andrew, two daughters; Patricia Conley and her husband Thomas of Deerfield, Andrea Lakata of Colonial Heights, VA a daughter-in-law Robin Lakata of York, PA, one sister, Patsy Forgach and her husband Peter of Eatontown, NJ, six grandchildren; Matthew Lakata, Nicole Lakata, Katlynn Conley, Cody Conley, Alexandra Rivero, Bailey Rivero, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents she preceded in death by two sons Jayme Lakata and Christopher Lakata. Calling hours for Mrs. Lakata will be held on Sunday from 1:00 until 3:00 pm in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home; 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs. Funeral service will be private and at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.