Kathleen Norah (Brown) Van Leuven, “Kitty”, 91, of The Atrium, North Chelmsford, MA, formerly of Woodbourne, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 17, 2012. She was the beloved wife of the late Warren Van Leuven.

She was born in Birmingham, England on August 31, 1920 to Charles and Sarah Brown. She lived through very difficult times of intense bombings during World War II in Birmingham where armaments were manufactured. She was forced to cut her education short and assist in supporting the family by working at British Small Arms (BSA). Kathleen was a World War II British war bride having married Warren E. Van Leuven of Napanoch, NY. They moved to Woodbourne, NY where Kathleen gave birth to 3 children. Warren predeceased her suddenly from a falling accident in 1959 and left her with children ages 4, 11, and 14 to raise. Kathleen quickly obtained a High School equivalency diploma and passed the Civil Service Exam to support her family. She is admired for her grace and strength in dealing with so many challenges in her life and never complaining. She was a wonderful and loving mother that was ahead of her time in her perspectives on life and tolerance of the opinions and views of others. She was a person of keen intellect, very perceptive and an avid reader.

She is survived by her loving children: Nancy Risso and her husband William of Carlisle, MA, Linda Gaiman and husband Ted Rosenfield of Andes NY and Foster City CA, Roger Van Leuven and his wife Elaine of Constableville, NY. Her son-in-law Murry Gaiman predeceased her in 1998.

Kathleen also leaves her much loved grandchildren: Kate Gaiman Postel and her husband Donald Postal of San Mateo, CA, Heather Risso of Waltham, MA, Christopher Risso of Huntington Beach, CA, Thomas Van Leuven of Albany, NY, and Patti Kendrick of Tennessee; great-grandchildren: Shannon Phillips and Caleb Kendrick from Clarksville Tennessee.

Kathleen, known as “Kitty” lived in Woodbourne, NY for 55 years where she worked in the Woodbourne Post Office. She came to know everyone in town and was well liked and respected by all. She was a life- long member of the Woodbourne Reformed Church serving as an elder and secretary and participating in many church activities. She also was a member of the Woodbourne VFW Post. She belonged to the Woodridge, NY Senior Citizens, the Grahamsville, NY Senior Citizens and the Concord, MA Senior Citizens.

Throughout her life Kathleen enjoyed being with her family, being involved in her community and traveling. She was a great lady respected and admired by her community. Kathleen’s family is so grateful for having her in their lives and misses her very much.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 24 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD. Her Memorial Service will be at the funeral home at 4:30 pm.

Interment will be in New York.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472, www.alzmass.org.