Kathleen Marie Pedati

Kathy was born on April 15, 1956, to Mary Ann and Philip Katz and grew up in New Jersey with her four brothers and sister. They took many big family trips, and she adored spending time with her Grandmother and Grandfather Duke.

After earning her nursing degree from Seton Hall University, Kathy lovingly cared for many people, both personally and professionally, throughout her life. While in school, Kathy met the love of her life, Brian. Their first date was spent at the movie Jaws, and they were inseparable from then on. They married on October 18, 1980, and spent nearly 44 more years exemplifying true love in their life together. Those around them often said they had never seen two people more in love. Kathy and Brian were blessed with three beautiful daughters who they are very proud of, Erin, Caitlin, and Meaghan, who each carry a little bit of their mom in them. Erin, Cait, and Meg were the center of Kathy’s life every day, with laughter, love, and blessings.

Kathy was a woman of many passions and talents but most of all, took care of everyone and everything around her, including nature. Neighborhood animals adored her, as she would always leave apples for the deer and seeds for the birds, peanuts for the squirrels and even occasional leftovers for the neighborhood foxes. She treasured sitting on the porch with her soda or tea, waiting for rain, chatting with neighbors, and sitting with her family. Kathy was well known for her love of the Christmas season, which was really a constant celebration in her home that was enhanced in the fall and winter. She put up trees in every room of the house and had stockings, rocking horses, clove oranges, Nativities, wreaths, and more. The Christmas season was always warm and welcoming, thanks to her.

A devoted Catholic, Kathy served as the Floral Coordinator for St. Veronica's parish at the time of her passing. She delighted in that the congregation could celebrate the liturgical seasons and their sacraments, surrounded by arrangements that were curated carefully and with intention.

Kathy was cherished by so many who know how kind, selfless, supportive, and welcoming she was. She was exceptionally thoughtful of those around her, always remembering special days, honoring achievements, lending strength, and showing up for difficult times. She often sent cards or left notes, reminding those she cared about how much she loved them, in her signature perfect penmanship.

Kathy was magic. She was so strong and always knew exactly what someone needed to feel comfort or joy. She had a way of making everyone feel at home in her own beautiful home, which was always full of love, light, and something delicious to eat. Kathy is deeply beloved, and her memory and magic will live on in her husband, daughters, and the many friends and family whose lives she touched.

Kathy is being remembered at a private Mass this week and will be celebrated at another funeral Mass open to all, at St. Veronica's parish, with details to come.

Cards or flowers can be sent to Murphy's Funeral Home and those wishing to make a donation in her name can contribute to:

www.stjude.org

Or

https://www.capodannoguild.org/