Kathleen Dempsey Borek

Kathleen Dempsey Borek, 62, of Frederick, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after an eight-year battle with cancer.

Born on April 15, 1964, in Frederick, Kathleen was the beloved daughter of John Canty Dempsey and Helena Elizabeth Dempsey (Duhan), and the youngest of seven siblings. She grew up in Frederick County, attending Governor Thomas Johnson High School and St. Joseph’s High School in Emmitsburg. For her senior year, she moved to New York and graduated from Ellicottville Central School in 1982. Following her graduation from the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred, Kathleen dedicated her life to the care of others. As a Registered Nurse for 39 years, she compassionately served both the youth and the elderly across Frederick, Howard, and Loudoun counties.

She met the love of her life, Gregory “Greg” Borek, in Frederick. They married in 1987 and raised four children together. Kathleen was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. A remarkably creative soul, she found great joy in art, woodcarving, embroidery, and playing the guitar, as well as spending time outdoors gardening and hiking. Above all, Kathleen’s greatest happiness came from her family, especially when gathered together sharing laughter, music, and a good meal.

She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Gregory Stephen Borek, and their four children: Travus Gregory Borek of Longmont, Colorado; Jordan Joseph Borek of Leadville, Colorado; Madeline Kathleen (Tyler) Shaw of Thurmont, Maryland; and Johnathan Canty Borek of Leadville, Colorado. She is also survived by three cherished grandchildren, Lenora, Judah, and an eagerly awaited grandchild due in mid-July.

Kathleen is further survived by her siblings and their spouses: Mary (Thomas) Simons, Christine Ryan, Carol Ann (Bill) Coffman, Bernadette Dempsey, Suzanne Dempsey (John Piper), and John Mark Dempsey; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kevin (Lisa) Borek; her mother-in-law, Helen Borek; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law, Joseph Borek; and her nephew, Nathan Borek.

A celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick, MD 21701. The following day, Friday, August 7, 2026, a Mass will be held at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 118 E. 2nd St., Frederick, MD 21701. Interment and a reception will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Frederick Health Hospice in Kathleen’s name. https://www.frederickhealthhospice.org/donate-support/

Kathleen will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. We are so grateful to everyone who has provided care, support, and friendship over the past several years. Her love for her family, sense of humor, and creativity will leave a lasting mark on everyone who knew and loved her.

The family extends sincere thanks to the staff at Progressive Oncology & Hematology, Mercy Medical Center, University of Colorado Hospital, Johns Hopkins, Frederick Health Hospice, and St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church.