Kathy Carnish, 67, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026.Born on September 12, 1958, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Kathy was the beloved daughter of the late Harry Richard Arner and Mary Alice (Breslin) Arner.

Kathy was dedicated to caring for others as a registered nurse, serving the community through her work in the maternity department at Coaldale Hospital. She later dedicated 18 years as a lunch coordinator at St. Jerome Regional School until she retired. She touched countless lives with her compassion, professionalism, and gentle spirit. In her free time, Kathy enjoyed reading thriller novels, making crafts, watching television and movies, spending time with family, and going on little adventures with her daughter, Molly, to the drive-in, concerts, plays, or events in other cities. She also was an excellent cook, frequently trying out new delicious recipes. She additionally loved spending time with her little shadow, her 17 year old cockapoo, Shamrock.

Above all, Kathy’s greatest joy was her family. She had a strong and unwavering love for her husband and daughters, and she treasured the years she was able to devote herself to her family as a homemaker. Caring for the people she loved was at the heart of who Kathy was, and her home and family were always her greatest priorities. She is survived by her loving husband, James Carnish, with whom she shared 41 years of marriage. She also leaves behind her daughters, Dr. Erin R. Carnish and her husband, Sean Bernard, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Molly K. Carnish and her partner, Jonathan Hickey, of Tamaqua. Kathy was a proud grandmother to Colin Bernard and Patrick Bernard, who brought her immense joy.

Kathy will be remembered for her caring heart, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her kindness and compassion extended beyond her profession and into every aspect of her life. Whether caring for others as a nurse, creating a loving home for her family, or simply being there for the people she loved, Kathy gave of herself wholeheartedly. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and family that will live on in those who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 1:30 pm at St. John XXIII, 307 Pine Street, Tamaqua PA 18252. A visitation will be held Thursday from 12-1 pm in the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, 655 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA. 

Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Summit Hill.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jerome Regional School or the St. Jude Foundation in Kathy’s memory.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Arrangements are entrusted to E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com