Kath Gent (1930 – 2017)
Kath Gent worked her way up the ladder in Nursing and became a pioneer in dementia. She was a bright and intelligent woman with a determined and positive character; Kath was highly principled and generous.
Her family was the centre of Kath’s life. Those close to her respected her and are proud that she lived her life on her own terms for as long as she could. Kath was born in London and moved to York with her husband Frank. She worked on the After Eight line at Rowntrees and after caring for her family worked for two nights a week at Fulford Maternity Hospital as a Nursing Assistant.
In 1971 Kath began her SEN Nursing training; after that her professional career was spent at Naburn, Bootham and Clifton hospitals as a Psychiatric Nurse and later at Acomb Gables. Kath was highly respected and loved her work.
Kath retired in 1990 but remained very active and worked as a volunteer at St. Leonards Hospital checking on the patients, supplying tea and cake and was always available for a chat if patients felt up to it.
Frank was diagnosed with emphysema and he and Kath attended the local support group. After his death Kath occupied herself with line dancing, would go to the Harmony Café, pop into the Breathe Easy sessions and kept busy supporting Frank’s brother. She also joined the choir ‘Singing for the Brain.’
Kath kept active and remained independent for as long as possible. She moved into Rosevale Care Home and died there on 7th August 2017.
Source: Obituary from Kath’s Funeral
Written by Pauline Alden