Marks, Kathleen Johnston

Kathleen J. Marks, 98, of Christiansburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, with her family by her side. Born on October 27, 1926, in New York City, Kate was one of five children of Patrick and Sarah Johnston, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland to build a new life. She was predeceased by her four siblings: Eleanor, Edward, Elizabeth, and Gerard.

In 1961, she married Lawrence J. Marks, and they shared many years together in New York City and Falls Church, Virginia, until Larry’s passing in 1991. She is survived by her son, Gerard; daughter-in-law, Dina; three grandchildren, Anthony, Casper, and Connor; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kate was a lifelong athlete who grew up playing handball in New York City, once winning a championship awarded by Governor Dewey. She was an avid sports fan, a devoted supporter of the New York Giants baseball team, and attended many games at the Polo Grounds.

After high school, she attended the City College of New York. Following her marriage, the birth of her son, and a move to Northern Virginia, she ultimately earned a B.S. in Accounting from George Mason University. She worked as an auditor, forensic accountant, and bookkeeper for Thomas Chrysler of the Chrysler Corporation, Annah Chennault of the Flying Tigers, and the International Security Council. Later in her career, she worked as a self-employed accountant until the age of 80.

In 2004, she moved to the New River Valley to be closer to her son and his family. She was an active member of the community and developed numerous friendships over the years while maintaining her own home in Oak Tree, Christiansburg, until December 2020. She then moved to Commonwealth Senior Living, where she remained a resident until her passing.

Kate’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to everyone at Commonwealth Senior Living and Medi Home Health & Hospice who helped care for Kate in her final years and were with her and her family in her final days.