Kathleen Hendrickson

Kathie was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 16th, 1941, to the late Anthony Arthur Musiano, and Anna DelVecchio Musiano of Hammonton, New Jersey. Her formative years were spent surrounded by a large Italian-American community of friends and extended family. In high school, Kathie served on various social committees and in leadership positions at St. Joseph’s High School. She also enjoyed writing for the school newspaper and raising money for community organization, for which she often was known as the “Queen.”

A lover of fashion from the beginning, Kathie often worked for a local dressmaker, which not only helped to refine her style, but also prepared her to go on to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. After a residency in London, Kathie returned to New York and began work as the Fashion Director for O’Shaughnessy, Dewes & Klein. It was during that time that she met her husband and love, Donald Rhea Hendrickson. Kathleen and her “Donnie” married on November 25, 1965. The two later moved from New York to Atlanta, enjoying many happy years together until his passing in 1982.

In Atlanta, Kathie originally received her Juris Doctorate from Donnie’s Alma Mater at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She remained an avid fan of the Volunteers until her passing. However, despite her love of the law, Kathleen eventually turned her professional interests to what would become her true passion—early childhood education. She taught for almost 25 years at Roswell North Elementary School, often hearing from her “little ones” long after they graduated.

In retirement, Kathie enjoyed the chance to travel- often back to her beloved New York and other favorite US Cities, or abroad with her sister and best friend, Marti. She also always knew of the best exhibit openings at the High Museum, which she enjoyed visiting regularly.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Rhea Hendrickson, her parents, Tony and Anna Musiano; her brothers, Richard and Michael Musiano; and her sister, Martha Musiano Graham. She will be remembered by her extended family, friends from over the years, as well as a network of loving caregivers from the last decade of her life.

Funeral services will be held at the Arlington Chapel at 173 Allen Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 on Saturday, January 31st. Visitation will be held at 11:30am, prior to the service at 12:00pm. Internment will immediately follow at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt. Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathie’s memory to the Roswell North Elementary Foundation (https://rnefoundation.org/donate-now/).