ROCHESTER - Kathleen M. Akerman, 71, of Rochester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on June 7, 1955, Kathleen was the daughter of Roland Sylvain and Patricia (Hamel) Sylvain. She was raised in Rochester and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1973. Following high school, she attended New Hampshire Technical Institute, where she studied radiology and began a lifelong career dedicated to helping others.
Kathleen worked as a radiologic technologist at Frisbie Memorial Hospital before pursuing additional training in sonography. She later joined the Center for Women’s Health, where she spent many years providing compassionate care and support to countless patients. Her professionalism, kindness, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on patients and colleagues alike.
Outside of her career, Kathleen was deeply involved in her community. She was a proud and active member of the Rochester Lodge of Elks and the Rochester Emblem Club, organizations that held a special place in her heart. Through her volunteerism, dedication, and friendships, she touched many lives and helped strengthen the community she loved.
Above all else, Kathleen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose strength, resilience, and unconditional love were the foundation of her family. She cherished time spent with her daughters and adored her grandsons, who brought endless pride and happiness to her life.
Kathleen was predeceased by her husband, Richard Akerman Jr., and her parents, Roland Sylvain and Patricia (Hamel) Sylvain.
She is survived by her daughters, Erin Akerman of Portland, Maine, and Stacey Partridge and her husband, Josh Partridge, of Rochester, New Hampshire; her cherished grandsons, Boyd and Lincoln Partridge; her sister, Susan (Sylvain) Cook; her brother, Michael “Soapy” Sylvain; and her partner of 16 years, Jim Clark. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Kathleen will be remembered for her strength, generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her courage throughout her illness was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.
Kathleen’s legacy is one of compassion, service, strength, and love. Whether through her dedication to her patients, her commitment to her community, or the unwavering devotion she showed her family, she made the lives of others better simply by being a part of them. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.”
A New Hampshire Press Association member