The community recently lost a local treasure, suddenly and shockingly. Kathy Gerletti, the lead counter person at the Bay Street post office (El Verano) died on 5 January. She suffered a stroke on 28 December.
Kathy was the life’s breath of the tiny, funky Bay Street post office. She was bright, upbeat, friendly, incredibly informed, and rarely in anything but the best of moods despite the occasionally heavy traffic in the little corner office. She treated everyone with humor and openness, and ready to offer the best shipping solution for everything. At this time, I understand that the family plans a memorial in the spring. I know many join me in mourning her loss.
Deb Carlen, Sonoma
Good person .R.I.P.
Did not know her well but she made you feel as you were a good friend. She will be missed because she cared as so many at the Postal Counters don’t. Thank You Kathy for being so special.
Maybe a commemorative plaque for her on the P. O.?
Just heard yesterday about Kathy. I am so sad. She did everything in that P.O. but take it out of your hand and walk it over to it’s destination. Tape, scissors, pen, packaging material,she couldn’t help you enough. She even helped me write a letter of protest over a ticket I was issued and declared that she witnessed my sending the payment. I treasured that post office because of her wonderful service. Was always going to give her a gift to show my gratitude…how old must one be to learn that stupid life lesson…don’t hesitate. G’bye sweet friend. Thank you. D. Salomon
Such sad news! I only met Kathy once, early last December when I went to get passport photos taken. The place was really busy with local traffic, and she had me seated behind the counter in a chair against the door to the package room, trying to grab a moment to snap my photos.
As it turned out, the passport photo camera’s batteries had died, so I sat there for about 30 minutes watching her patiently and professionaly take care of an endless stream of folks before she found a moment to run out to her car to get some fresh batteries she happened to have. It was a lovely respite in may day, but the real surprise came when I received a Christmas card from her containing some extra photos she had taken that I didn’t need. She obviously took the time to get my address from the passport application which she had helped me to complete. Such a wonderful woman!
Kathy was a wonderful person and fun also. A couple of years ago I was awaiting a 20 lb box of beads coming from Arizona. I checked the post office everyday and no package. Sat Kathy called and said it had arrived.I ask if I could come and pick it up and she said “No” I’m off work and I’ll delivery on my way home….She brought the box in and we had such fun going throu all the beads…
So very surprised and sorry to her of Kathy’s passing. I knew Kathy from the late 1970’s when she was an aerobics teacher at Lynn Brilhantes dance studio. She was a dynamo…small in frame but big energy and always kind. Twinkling eyes. She was a very very nice person…. My condolences to her family.
I am so grateful for all her kind words, her optimism, her cheer…for the every day sharing of her natural goodness. Oh, we have lost someone very special. I am so sad.
What a wonderful lady she was.Husband Ed and I will miss her exuberance–there’s no other word for it! Fly with the angels, Kathy!
Kathy had such radiate and contagious smile and personality! She had such wonderful customer service, we were always felt welcome. She is already missed.
Wow! I can’t believe she is gone! I’m still in shock. She had a way of making anyone who entered the post office feel welcomed. I will miss her terribly as she was the driving force of the post office. I remember a time I needed help mailing a package and she would take care of it like a pro. It was so easy to do anything I needed there because she came to the rescue of any difficulties I encountered. If she didn’t know something she would find out for you. She really was the El Verano Post Office Angel in the truest sense of the word. Thank you Kathy for everything. You will be sorely missed!!!!