Kathleen A. (Dolan) Clarkin "Kathi"

61, of Cranston, RI, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at West Shore Health Center in Warwick. She was the beloved wife for 39 years of Dennis P. Clarkin. Born in Providence, she was the loving daughter of Marilyn (Potter) Dolan of Cranston and the late James G. Dolan.

Kathi was a graduate of Cranston East, Rhode Island College and received her Masters-of Education from Providence College. She was a Warwick Public School teacher for 34 years finishing her career at Hoxsie Elementary School where she was a beloved educator and fearless advocate for her students.

An accomplished athlete Kathi was the first female to score over 1000 points in basketball at Cranston East High School finishing with 1142. She was elected to the Cranston Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. She coached Gals softball, CLCF and Holy Apostles basketball for many years.

Kathi spent countless hours on the baseball and softball fields with her three children Casey, Matt and Billy. She would hit thousands of balls to them over the years and would play a flawless first base handling any throw that came her way. Matt and Billy especially would show her no mercy on how hard they threw, always trying to get one by Kathi and failed every time.

Basketball was her passion and she loved working with them even though they couldn’t come close to matching her skills. Watching her play one on one against her kids was priceless.

Kathi was an avid golfer and was a member of the West Warwick Country Club. Her two best moments golfing was an eagle on the 18th hole at Cranston Country Club and any time she out drove her husband Dennis off the tee. Unfortunately for him it happened often and she reveled in it each time.

Kathi loved watching her 31 nieces and nephews grow up. She took a special interest in each of them and always knew what made them all unique. She truly loved celebrating each part of their lives from birthdays, sporting events to weddings. Her favorite times were the family vacations with all of them. February school break in New Hampshire, Summer at Lake Gaston, the annual camping trip, Disney World, Virginia Beach and the trip to Ireland were so special to her. She loved seeing all of the cousins together. Kathi’s infectious smile and hearty laugh were truly special.

Thank you to the entire staff at West Shore Health Center for the tremendous care and compassion Kathi was given throughout her illness. You are all special people.

Besides her husband Dennis and mother, Kathleen was the devoted mother of Casey L. Gilman and her husband Pat of Leominster, MA, Matthew J. Clarkin and his wife Amanda of Warwick and William D. Clarkin of Cranston; cherished grandmother of Skyler, Keegan and Ella; and dear sister of James Dolan of Cary, NC, Marilyn Carlson of Seekonk, MA, William Dolan of Narragansett and the late Cheryl Jamiel.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, July 10th at 8:45 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston at 10 a.m. Burial will be at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS are Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hope Alzheimer Center, 25 Brayton Ave., Cranston, RI 02920.