NICEVILLE, Fla. — A woman who gave her heart to family, her talents to the community, and her courage to cancer research is being honored for the difference she made in so many lives.
Kathleen Marie Gilson, of Niceville, Fla., began her next adventure on April 18, 2025, leaving this world wrapped in love and grace after a courageous seven-year journey with cancer.
Often called Kathy or Kat by her family and friends, Kathleen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 29, 1958, to Hubert Lawson and Mary Fischer Lawson. She spent most of her childhood in the Deadwood area of South Dakota, where she developed a strong sense of independence and grit — traits she was well known for and never let go of.
Kathleen’s vibrant smile was her trademark — warm, genuine, and impossible to forget.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Dennis, the publisher of Niceville.com, and her partner in love, life, and business. She is also survived by her children: Adam Shelton of Huntsville, Alabama; Andrew Gilson of Bremerton, Washington; and Deni Gilson of Freeport, Florida. Kathleen was lovingly known as Gigi to her much-adored grandson, Bodhi — Deni’s son.
As a child, little Kathy took great pride in helping her father with his work as a carpet and floor installer, chopping wood, and baking special treats just for him. She had fond memories of a short time living in a travel trailer and spending carefree summer days in Yellowstone National Park.
One of her favorite pastimes in South Dakota was riding her rescue mustang, Grinder, in the shadow of Devils Tower — a place and experience that stayed with her for life.
Together, she and her husband ran several businesses over the years, including those in publishing and advertising with Gilson Group Inc., The Bluewater Advertiser, and Niceville.com.
Kathleen managed the sales, the bookkeeping, and the paperwork — everything her husband preferred to avoid. She was the one who kept it all on track, always with a sharp mind, a no-nonsense attitude, and just enough eye rolls to keep things interesting.
Outside work, Kathleen grew colorful flower gardens and generously gave her time. She was a longtime volunteer in the Niceville and Valparaiso communities, always happy to pitch in when someone needed an extra set of hands.
Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed — she was recognized multiple times by the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, including receiving the coveted “You Rock” Award in 2006 for her contributions to the Chamber and community.
Kathleen was also a gifted yoga instructor, sharing her passion for wellness through beginner and restorative classes at Dragonfly Yoga in Fort Walton Beach. Her calm presence, gentle instruction, and deep knowledge helped students of all levels find peace, strength, and healing on the mat.
Of all the roles she held in life, none brought Kathleen more joy than being “Gigi.” She cherished her time with her grandson, Bodhi Skywalker, and lit up at every chance to spoil him, cheer him on, or just sit and talk. She loved baking healthy muffins for Bodhi and made chocolate cakes for Dennis from scratch using her grandmother’s recipe.
Family meant everything to her, and she was happiest when surrounded by those she loved. Some of her fondest memories were made vacationing with her family at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park — a place filled with laughter, beach walks, and the peace she cherished.
Kathleen cared deeply for others. She was often the first to offer comfort to those in pain — whether sitting beside a friend, reassuring a family member, or sharing quiet strength with a fellow patient in the infusion room.
In the final months of her life, Kathleen somehow found the strength to travel numerous times to Nashville, Tennessee, taking part in clinical drug trials — not just in hope for herself, but to help others who would one day walk the same path with cancer.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to Kathleen’s medical oncologist, Dr. Alexander Brown, of Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center in Pensacola. His steady guidance, compassion, and care meant so much throughout her journey. Kathleen greatly admired Dr. Brown and often spoke of the comfort and confidence he gave her, even in the most challenging moments.
Her favorite kitty of all time, Truman — her companion for 16 years — was adopted from SOCKS (Save Our Cats and Kittens) in Fort Walton Beach, a cause she supported for many years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to SOCKS in Kathleen’s memory.
Kathleen’s life was a gift to all who knew her — full of purpose, love, and quiet strength. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire everyone she touched.
https://www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com/obituary/Kathleen-Gilson
