CAMDEN — Kathryn Kunesh Ilvonen, 80, of Camden, died Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Born in Rockland, September 19, 1943 to Alois Frank and Virginia Wood Kunesh, she graduated from Rockland District High School in 1961.

Kathy took dance lessons from age 2 to age 18 from Madelyn Drinkwater in Rockland and taught dance lessons on Islesboro during high school. Kathy was a very hard worker from a young age and worked at many local factories, as well as many years at Pen Bay Medical Center in the Dietary Department.

Kathy was very proud of her family and loved spending time with them. She always enjoyed summer days at the beach. During retirement, Kathy enjoyed many winters staying with her dear friends David and Marie Graves as well as Peggy Oineneni in Florida and enjoyed traveling with her daughters to Maui to visit her cousin Jack and his partner Julia. Kathy was an animal lover and had many beloved pets during her lifetime.

Other than her parents, Kathy was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth P. Ilvonen; her ex-husband Bruce L. Rubenstein, who was the father of her two oldest children; her daughter Natalia May Mazzeo and her special cousin, Herbert ‘Jack’ Wood.

She is survived by her son Peter L. Rubenstein and his wife Jennifer Davis Rubenstein of Camden; her daughter Debby Rubenstein Ayers and husband Michael Ayers of Rockland; her brother Alan Kunesh Sr. and wife Debbie Kunesh of Union; step-daughter Tina Ilvonen of Washington State, Tammy Ilvonen Penarczyk and husband Mathew Penarczyk of Washington State; her grandson Ryan Cole of Belfast, Evan Cole and his partner Alaina of Belfast; grandchildren, Nikki Rubenstein Todd and husband Orrin Todd of Camden, Brittany Rubenstein Wolfradt and husband Justin Wolfradt of Connecticut, Owen Thompson and partner Katie of Lisbon, Trevor Thompson and wife Megan of Rockland; her great-grandchildren; her ex-husband Frances Mazzeo of Rockland, who was the father of her late daughter; many cousins, nephews, nieces and dear friends.

Per Kathy’s request, there will be a private remembrance ceremony for immediate family only.

To share a memory or condolence with Kathy’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.