Katherine M. (Gardella) Hien

UPDATED SERVICES DUE TO STORM ON SUNDAY & MONDAY

Katherine M. "Kath" (Gardella) Hien, 79, of Woonsocket, died January 17, 2026 in her home. She was the loving wife of Harris Hien, whom she first met at 13 years old and later married February 17, 1968, enjoying a long, happy life together. Born in Woonsocket, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Mary (McMann) Gardella.

Kath was a 1962 graduate of Woonsocket High School. She worked as a teller for Industrial National Bank, a credit union in Florida, and later Navigant Credit Union, but her most treasured job was caring for her family.One of her greatest joys was the time spent with her grandchildren. Kath was an avid bowler, winning many ribbons and trophies. She was very crafty and enjoyed ceramics, was a true seamstress, and even dabbled in architecture, where she would draw out various plans. Kath was a nature and animal lover who could often be found watching and feeding the birds and gardening. She was the steady rock of her family and the countless people she touched with her generous and selfless, kind nature. She touched the lives of many, and will be dearly missed.

Besides her husband, Harris, she leaves their children, Jason Hien of Wheat Ridge, CO, Jonathan Hien and his wife, Bethany of Middletown, and Kristin Hoffman and her husband, Raymond, of Manville; her brother, Daniel Gardella of North Kingstown; her sisters, Patricia Moreau of Manville and Ann Caron of Woonsocket; four grandchildren, Anthony Ledger of Attleboro, Evan Hoffman of Pawtucket and Zakary and Dallin Hien, both of Middletown; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her funeral will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026 beginning at 9:30 AM from the Holt Funeral Home, 510 So. Main St., Woonsocket, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in Holy Trinity Church, 1409 Park Ave. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beacon Hospice Care, 1 Catamore Blvd, Ste 1, East Providence, RI 02914.

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