CLAY COUNTY – Residents in Clay County mourn the loss of a loving volunteer, Kathy Garske.

Garske served in the community for more than 10 years and has touched the hearts of many people. Garske volunteered with Mercy Support Services, Clay SafetyNet Alliance and The Way Free Medical Clinic. She also volunteered with various Catholic charities and Clay County Soup Kitchens. It is undeniable that Garske left a positive impact on the Clay County community.

Patrick Hayes, the executive director and CEO of Mercy Support Services was shocked when he heard the news Garske had passed away.

“She was always a bright spark, full of faith and love,” Hayes said.

Garske was one of the first volunteers at Mercy Support Services. Garske helped with taking calls and giving phone briefings in the Fleming Island area. Garske, who was also a strong woman of faith, would coordinate weekly prayer meetings at Mercy Support Services. During these prayer meetings Garske would take any prayer requests from volunteers and those who used Mercy Support Services.

Hayle describes Garske as a fun and affectionate woman who cared deeply for others.

“She was bubbly all the time,” Hayle said. “She was always helping somebody.”

Andre Van Heerdan, a board member of Impact Clay and former chair of Clay SafetyNet Alliance, also can attest to Garske’s commitment to the county.

“She has engaged with our community on multiple levels...it’s going to be a huge loss for our community,” Van Heerdan said.

Garske worked in the communications sector at Clay SafetyNet Alliance alongside her friend Janie Fox. Garske and Fox would work to get all agencies together if there was a certain issue that needed to be tackled. For example, if there was an issue of homelessness in the community, Garske and Fox would contact the facilities who handled homelessness. Garske and Fox would also sit in on the hearing committee as well.

Van Heerdan noted although Garske had a gentle spirit, her opinions were meaningful to those around her.

“She was very unassuming, not intrusive in any way,” Van Heerdan said, “but when she gave her opinion, it was profound.”

For Garske there was nothing that was too much or too little for her to do. She was both capable of being a great leader and completely content with doing more miniscule tasks. So long as she was helping people, Garske was happy simply answering phone calls or being in charge of an important project.

Although the community mourns Garske’s passing, residents can still gain inspiration from her level of commitment and involvement within Clay County.

Garske’s life will be remembered as a faithful volunteer who never stopped praying for the community she loved.