Kilkivan volunteer Kathy Pearce passes away after cancer battle

Members of the community have paid their respects to Kathy Pearce, who sadly lost her lengthy battle with ovarian cancer on Wednesday.

Kathy Pearce peacefully passed away on October 27 after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. Photo: Facebook

Tributes are flowing for a beloved member of the Gympie region community, Kathryn (Kathy) Pearce, who peacefully passed away on Wednesday after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.

Mrs Pearce was the wife of much loved Kilkivan Great Horse Ride barman, William “Salty” Pearce.

She was known for her volunteering at the KGHR, Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, and was a popular personality behind the counter at the James Nash State High School tuckshop for more than 30 years.

In 2020, the school renamed the tuckshop in Mrs Pearce’s honour to formally recognise her service.

The Kathy Pearce Tuckshop. Photo: Facebook

Gympie woman Audrey Mooney described Mrs Pearce as a “beautiful person” with “not a judgmental bone in her body”.

She said she often saw Mrs Pearce when volunteering at events.

“She was always the same no matter where she was or what she was doing,” she said.

Dalby March Charger Anne Pukallus with her mum Kathy Pearce.

Tributes also flowed on social media.

Zoe Stringer described Mrs Pearce as “a great lady” and offered her condolences to her family.

Wendy Algie said Mrs Pearce was a “beautiful, caring lady”.

“Oh Kathy, how they will all miss you,” she said.

Teena Alexander said Mrs Pearce will be missed.

Kathy Pearce in 2019. Photo: Facebook.

“Sending love and sympathy to Bill and family,” she said.

“Was an honour to have known and worked with you over many years; fly high my friend.”

Mrs Pearce was 69.

A memorial service will be held in her honour at the Gympie Anglican Church on November 5.

Originally published as Kilkivan volunteer Kathy Pearce passes away after cancer battle