Katharine M. Coogan

She was born in the Bronx, NY, and was immensely proud of it.

She was a graduate of the University of South Florida with a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and was also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Case Manager. Kathy worked in healthcare for 18 years focused on Case and Utilization Management, and also provided services for Adoption and Foster families. She was a dedicated behavioral health clinician, helped many people all over the country seek services to improve their lives, and optimized the lives of children by helping families provide them with healthy and loving homes.

Kathy just had a way of finding joy and celebrating each moment in life. Despite all that she faced, she never missed an opportunity to make the most witty and hilarious comments, always finding levity in the darkest of times. Not a conversation would go by without a very fitting “he said, she said” joke. Without a doubt, anyone who spent time with Kathy knew that it would be filled with uncontrollable laughter.

Kathy was such a proud Mom. From the moment she found out she was pregnant, the brightest light burned within her soul from that moment on. Her daughter was her entire world; she was the reason that Kathy found the strength to fight through each day and live life to its fullest. She will always be remembered for her love and devotion as a Mom. She loved every second of being with her daughter and watching her experience life. Without a doubt, they were two peas in a pod. At any given moment, singing and dancing or random silliness was bound to happen. Kathy was the best role model, and it was important to her that her daughter was her own person, and always knew how proud Kathy was to be her Mom. She took a billion pictures of her daughter, including selfies of the two of them, because she just loved her little girl’s precious heart, beautiful face, unconditional love, and eternal bond.

Kathy loved this time of year and found ways to live up to the holidays decorating, entertaining, and hosting amazing parties that presented like something out of a magazine. First, the celebration of her birthday surrounded by loved ones and a themed party. Halloween was next, full of costumes, creepy decorations, haunted houses, and hayrides. Then, Thanksgiving included delectable cuisine and reminders of being thankful, grateful, and blessed. And then Christmas, full of bright lights, cookie-making festivities, silly Elf on the Shelf shenanigans, and celebrations never lacking any holly, jolly detail; it always included an annual viewing of “Elf” and quotes like “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Most importantly, her daughter’s birthday parties were always something out of a fairy tale created with love for her princess.

She loved her fur babies, especially her pooches, they made her smile and gave her so much “nose, nose, nose” time. She fostered many puppies throughout the years, with Riley helping them learn to be well-behaved during their stay and for future homes, and she ended up adopting her “foster fail” otherwise known as Murphy. Riley stood guard with love protecting the family, and Murphy spent his time providing comfort and snuggles. Kathy loved being a fur Mommy and they will always love her.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Emma Coogan; she was preceded in death by her father, William “Pops” Coogan, whom she adored and shared the same sense of humor. She had so many loved ones who shared her life, prayed for her, laughed with her, cared for her, treasured her, and will continue to hold her in their hearts for all of eternity.

Kathy wanted to thank the medical community at Moffitt for their care and kindness, specifically Dr. Peter Forsyth, Dr. John Kiluk, and their clinical teams.

A private Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held in Kathy’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal rescue.