Kathryn Wilson

Rose Kathryn (Yates) Wilson, 93, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Kathryn was born in 1933 in Dickson, Tennessee, to Leonard and Oles Yates. Her life was marked by resilience, dedication, and an enduring love for family.

She held a variety of jobs throughout her life, most notably serving with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance until her retirement. Kathryn later joined FEMA, where she found deep fulfillment in helping individuals and families rebuild after disasters—her compassion and desire to serve others evident in all she did.

In the 1990s, Kathryn returned to college, demonstrating her determination and lifelong commitment to personal growth. In 2001, she and her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Wilson, fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Hawaii, enjoying six weeks of rest, beauty, and cherished memories together.

Kathryn was an active member of the Women of Grace Bible Study for seven years and served alongside Pastor Jay Richmond at First Baptist Church of Scotia, blessing many lives in her community. She delighted in hosting large family gatherings, especially during the holidays, filling her home with laughter, warmth, and love.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Robert Wilson; her sisters, Bessie Potts, Emma Yates, Lula Ferris, and Martha Shore; her brother, John D. Allen; her children, Diane Armstrong, Bonnie Wilson, Barbara Goodwin, Wesley Breaux, and Daniel Wilson; her daughter-in-law, Jill Wilson; her son-in-law, Thomas Balsamo; her grandsons, Shawn Haney and Alex Ducos; and her great-grandson, Ethan Vile.

Kathryn is survived by her loving children: Dianna Balsamo of Clifton Park, New York; Deborah (Len) Smith of Glastonbury, Connecticut; and Cheryl (Luis) Ducos of Woodruff, South Carolina. She also cherished her extended and adoptive family: Robert Wilson II of Amsterdam, New York; George Wilson (Patricia) of Saratoga Springs, New York; Joseph Wilson (Joan) of Greenwich, New York; Kathleen Smith (Ray) of Schenectady, New York; and Andrew Wilson of Fort Hunter, New York.

She is also survived by her sister, Margaret Baron of Enfield, Connecticut, along with many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

Kathryn will be remembered for her strength, sense of humor, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

Calling hours will be held at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, NY, on Thursday, April 2, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Schenectady Memorial Park.