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Heaven gained another matriarch this past weekend. My friend, Kathy, took her final breath and continued her ever confident walk towards the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Kathy was the ultimate mother and grandmother, not only to her own children, but to her children’s friends and everyone she knew. She sat in her second pew spot weekly, surrounded by her kids and grandkids, living in the bliss of the life God had blessed her with. She was a staple member of our parish community and always greeted you warmly with a back rub an encouraging word. 

Though she had been an acquaintance for years, Kathy came into my life in a profound way in October of 2022, right after my mom’s cancer diagnosis. I had cantored our monthly healing Mass at our parish shortly after Moms health began to decline and as always, Kathy was in attendance, in her normal spot in the second pew. I knew her to be a prayer warrior and just the person to ask to lift my mother up. The next morning she drove to my house to bring me her family’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton relic, some Holy Water from Lourdes, and oil of St, Raphael, she made sure I had it all before I drove north. She was a constant support to me in those dark days, sharing tips for comfort during chemo, gifts, and most importantly, her prayers. In the years that followed, she took my family under her wing – particularly my oldest daughter. 

Though their personalities differed, Kathy and my Mom shared so much in the way they lived their vocation and built a legacy of love. Kathy was a matriarch in the truest sense of the word, a cornerstone of love and living faith that will live on for generations. She spoke truth, prayed without ceasing and always had complete confidence in Gods plan. She was always ready to share the good news, evangelizing through joy and clear instruction (and the strategic placement of small Jesus figurines she’d leave all over town for inquiring hearts to find.) When babies were born, she’d gift mothers with her Mary blankets – knit with “a Hail Mary in every stitch,” and gift cards for our local Mama Lucia’s restaurant, so you didn’t have to cook. It’s impossible to say how many hearts Kathy touched – her impact was profound.

Her daughter, my friend, told me that she drew her last breath at 3:00 on the Feast of the Holy Family, moments after her Rosary alarm went off. How fitting – that Jesus would call her home at that precise hour and into the arms of His mother. 

The world lost one of the best, but heaven is rejoicing in Kathy’s arrival. I pray that Mom is there to greet her – I know they would have been good friends. 

Now, she joins with the angels and saints at the never ending feast. We can find her where we always have been able to – at the Eucharistic table. 

Rest peacefully, Kathy. 

May the choirs of angels come greet you and speed you to paradise. May the Lord enfold you in His mercy, may you find eternal life.