Cynthia Diane Katafiasz

She was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Salina, Kansas in 1984 and received a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 1988, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Cynthia’s career was spent in the hospitality industry working at Durkan-Mohawk for over 30 years sourcing and creating carpet for many high profile hospitality projects throughout the world. She was loved by her customers and highly admired by all of her peers. She received many awards for her accomplishments in the carpet industry. Everyone wanted to be near Cynthia to learn from her knowledge and wisdom of the industry.

Cynthia was an accomplished pianist at an early age. She utilized those skills as the music director for the Pi Beta Phi Rock Chalk Review, writing the music and playing the piano for numerous shows. She loved Elton John and was a member of the Rocket Club, traveling to see him as far away as Sicily, London and Paris to enjoy his music. She was even on stage with Elton and his piano at his concert in Sicily.

Cynthia was an avid world traveler. She especially loved Vietnam and had a big soft spot for Africa where she visited several times.

She loved the KC sporting teams and was a proud season ticket holder of the Chiefs and Royals for over 20 years.

A generous person, her enormous zest for life provided the opportunity for many lasting friendships that were so important to her. She touched many lives in a positive way and she made those around her feel like family. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity were legendary. She will be greatly missed and her impact on those who knew her cannot be erased.

For the past 5 months she fought a courageous battle with cancer and was a devoted Catholic member of both Curé of Ars and Nativity parishes.

Cynthia is survived by her parents, Tom and Mary Katafiasz of Salina, KS, sisters Annette (Tyler) Cundith, Loch Lloyd, MO, Kelly (Derron) Gunderman, Overland Park, KS, Michelle (Sai Viswanath) Katafiasz, Bristol, RI and 5 nieces and a nephew. She is also survived by her devoted life partner, Kane Wright, Bucks County, PA who loved her dearly.

Rosary from 9:15 - 9:30am on Saturday, March 5th at Church of the Nativity, followed by Visitation from 9:30 - 11am and Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Inurnment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Overland Park. Memorial contributions may be sent to Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS 66209 or to the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation.

In true Cynthia style, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.