Obituary of Kathleen A Close

Kathleen “Kathy” Close, 65, of Bemus Point, NY passed away July 30, 2025 after a short but courageous battle with brain cancer. She was born April 4, 1960 to Theodore and Ruth Solinger in Jamestown, NY. Kathy is a 1978 graduate of Jamestown High School and received an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies at Onondaga Community College. She married Michael Murphy in 1997, who passed away in 2017. Kathy was employed as a Paralegal by Kellam & Petit Law firm in Charlotte, NC until her retirement. She then worked at the War Vets Rec. in the kitchen. Kathy was incredibly crafty and was well known for her beautiful and delicious sugar cookies that she gifted everyone. Kathy is survived by her children, Kristy (Jeff) Drake, Bill (Keira) Close, Kimberly (Brian) Beeman, Sean Murphy, and Derek Murphy, all of whom she was incredibly proud of. Sisters, Nancy Raley, Jeanine Sweet, and Diane Sheesley, and brother Ricky (Julie) Solinger. Grandkids whom she adored, Paige and Bennett Madison, Nolan, Simon and Margaret Drake, Addison and Rhett Close, Jonathan Murphy, Kristina Beeman and Brianna (Jimmy) Smith. Special nieces Melissa Mohney and Kate Sweet, as well as many other nieces and nephews. Kathy is also survived by two best friends, Laurel Haight and Sham Hallberg, and her ex-husband with whom she was still best friends, Boody Close. Kathy is predeceased by her parents, brothers Teddy, Gary, Jim and Steve Solinger, and nephew Jason Mohney. The family wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Star Hospice House in Lakewood, NY for their dedicated support and compassionate care of Kathy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Star Hospice House 32 W Fairmount Ave Lakewood, NY 14750, in Kathy’s name. Visitation will not be observed. Kathy’s family will have a celebration of life at a later date.