Kathleen (Patterson) Wheatley, a cherished member of the Beaver Clan of the Tuscarora Nation, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on June 10, 1943, she was raised on the Tuscarora Reservation in New York and where she spent her summers after Kathleen made her home in Brea, California with her daughter Karla and son-in-law Paul Goden.
She is survived by her children Kevin (Aim) Wheatley, Karla (Paul) Goden, Kristine Hill, and their father Ken Wheatley; grandchildren Rachel (Yasiel Cabrera) Hill, Kimberly Hill, Logan Hill, Patrick Goden, and Hilary Goden; great-grandchildren Yehwatsironnyons Gibson Lynn Clayton Maracle Hill, and Elio Račaka’ne’ Cabrera; and her son-in-law Donald Hill.
Her beloved oldest grandson, Dr. Rahnekawę:rih Montgomery (Monty) Hill, preceded her in death just weeks before her passing.
Kathleen was the daughter of the late Percy and Eleanor (Chew) Patterson and was preceded in death by her brothers Chief Stuart (Doris), Myron “Monk”, and Norman (late Clara) Patterson; and sisters Patricia (late Melvin) Wegerski, Beatrice (late Ollie) Best, and Clara (late Lawrence) Fish. She is survived by her brother Percy “Pete” (late Deanna) Patterson and sisters Prisciela Williams and Sarah (late Tom) Kennedy, as well as two beloved aunties, Norma (late Simon) Brascoupe and Ida Sealoff.
Affectionately known by many names—Auntie I Know, Queen Leen, Auntie, Mimi, or simply Leen—Kathleen was a loving matriarch and safe haven to an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as to her chosen family with many, like her 42-year friendship with Mary Mead. Her warmth, humor, sassiness, and grace made her a cornerstone in their lives.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Kathleen’s medical team at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and to the anonymous bone marrow donor whose gift provided hope and embraced the generosity Kathleen exhibited in life.
All are welcome to visit on Monday, May 5th between 11am and 1pm at the Tuscarora Baptist Church, 2088 Mt Hope Rd, Sanborn, NY, with services to start at 1pm. There will be a gathering at the Tuscarora Nation House after the burial at Mount Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of tree commemorations, the family requests that any desired donations be made to Nęyękwawęta’θkwáhshek Tuscarora Language Program (NEST). NEST is the first introduction to the language for many of our newest community members and helps to build our speech community by facilitating family interconnectedness. This program combines Mimi’s love of kids with Monty’s love of our language.
PayPal: BundledArrowsInc@gmail.com or TuscaroraLanguage@gmail.com
Venmo: @BundledArrowsInc
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Kathleen M. Wheatley, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
Visitation
Monday, May 05, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tuscarora Baptist Church
2088 Mt Hope Rd
Sanborn, NY 14132
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Monday, May 05, 2025
1:00 PM
Tuscarora Baptist Church
2088 Mt Hope Rd
Sanborn, NY 14132
Get Directions on Google Maps
