Obituary of Mary Kathryn Hartnett Ackerman

Kate Ackerman, 77, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and angels, at her home in Spring Hill, FL on July 18, 2024.

Born in Cortland, NY on December 9, 1946, she spent her childhood in Olean, NY before moving to Syracuse in 1962. She graduated from Most Holy Rosary High School in 1964 and Upstate Medical University College of Nursing in 1966.

In 1968, Kate represented Upstate Medical Center as “Miss Hope” in the American Cancer Society’s statewide competition. During her nursing career, she worked at Upstate Medical Center, Degoesbriand Hospital in Burlington VT, and Community General Hospital in Syracuse.  She utilized her talented nursing skills throughout her life, including work at St. Ann’s School, Bishop Ludden, Syracuse City School District, Rural & Migrant Ministry of Oswego County and at the Francis House in Syracuse. Kate was extremely proud of the work she did and the friendships she made at all of these places. She was always a friend, supporter and fierce advocate for those who needed her. She dedicated her life to the service of others and brought comfort to countless patients, families and loved ones.

Above all she loved being with her big, beautiful family and her friends, laughing, chatting, dancing, celebrating, praying, traveling, watching sunsets over Lake Ontario, and seeing her grandchildren smile.

In 1987, She was diagnosed with cervical cancer and given a 50% chance to live. Cancer would always be a part of her life but it would not define her. A faithful servant of God and devout Catholic, it was her faith and her love for Jesus and her family which gave her the strength to fight against pain and death so she could focus on loving all those around her.

Our family will be forever grateful, for her presence in our lives has truly been a gift from God, along with the loving support from family and friends and the incredible care she’s received over the years. Especially from Dr Musa, who by the power of God saved her life, Dr Kerr, Danielle Morse, Robbin Rawlins, Dr Hariachar, Dr Edward, all the amazing doctors and nurses at Oak Hill Hospital and at Chapters Health Hospice. Thank you all.

Kate was predeceased by her parents Edward and Mary Hartnett, her sisters Margaret Foody and Helen Hartnett as well as her sister-in-law Carol Blewett and her brother-in-law Fred Honnold.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Kenneth E. Ackerman, her six children: Andrew Ackerman (Natalie Galang) of Alameda, CA, Sheila Ackerman Scarpulla (Joseph Scarpulla) of Wayne, NJ, Carl Ackerman (Julie Owsik) of Narberth, PA, Teddy Ackerman (Moriah Zabel) of Syracuse, NY, Daniel Ackerman (Meredith Murphy) of Glen Rock, NJ and Kenneth M. Ackerman (Judy Quan) of San Francisco, CA. Her beloved grandchildren: Sophia, Joey D, Ryan, Miranda, Daniel, Alex, Alyssa, Anita, Teddy, Miles and Katie, her siblings: Edward and Molly Hartnett of Manlius, NY, Elizabeth Hartnett Honnold of Fayetteville, NY, Michael and Sheila Hartnett of Jupiter, FL, Maureen Hartnett Kennedy of Syracuse, NY, Patricia and David Pelligrini of Syracuse, NY, Paul and Mary Beth Hartnett of Pittsburgh, PA, John and Karen Hartnett of Phoenixville, PA, James and Mary Pat Hartnett of Manlius NY, Timothy and Jennifer Hartnett of Kingwood TX, Jerry Foody of Aiken SC, and Bob Blewett of Beaufort, SC as well as approximately 61 nieces and nephews, and numerous favorite cousins, all of whom she loved so much.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10th at 10am at Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave, Syracuse, NY 13207.  Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 9th from 4 to 7pm at Most Holy Rosary Church.

Contributions in Kate's memory may be sent to Francis House 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY 13208 or Most Holy Rosary Church 111 Roberts Ave, Syracuse, NY 13207.