Kathleen T Hafer

Kathleen T Hafer, matriarch of the Hafer household passed away peacefully January 29, 2023 at the age 

of 96.  She was born May 14, 1926 in Avon, Ct.  She was one of seven children of Norman Donlon and Mary Anne Collins Donlon.

 

She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings Eleanor, Ursula, Anita, John, and Norma.  And by her loving husband Robert Aaron Hafer.

 

She was a devout Christian and attended Vinelife Church in Brooksville, Fl.  

 

Kathleen was a registered nurse for over 40 years.  She married Robert Hafer of Elkhart, In in 1950.  They were married until his death in 1990 when she moved to Spring Hill, Fl .  They met on a blind date arranged by her sister Norma in Miami, Fl where Robert was attending school.  Together they opened a Lums restaurant in St Petersburg, Fl in 1967, and later owned Tavern on the Green.

 

She was an avid and gifted quilter and a member of The Hernando Quilters Guild.

 

A true Proverbs 31 woman, Kathleen was a passionate worshipper of God, read her Bible, and prayed everyday.  She was an awesome mother who laid  down her life for her family and others .

 

She will always be deeply cherished by her surviving family: son Michael Hafer (wife Lorri), daughters Susan Fechner (husband Richard), and Amy Reitz (husband Barry).

 

Her 3 grandsons Danny Merkel (wife Anna), Ryan Fechner (wife Linda), and Paul Michael Hafer (wife Bethany).

 

And 2 adoring great granddaughters Miley Marie Merkel and Harmony Renee Hafer.  She is also survived by one brother, Albert Donlon as well as numerous other relatives.

 

She transitioned to her heavenly home while her family held her hands, prayed and sang to her.

 

A memorial celebration of life is being planned for May 14, 2023, her birthday and Mothers Day.

 

She was cremated as per her wishes and will be interred beside her husband at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl.