Kathleen Ann Szafranski

Kathleen Ann Szafranski, who was born in Gary Indiana on March 6, 1946, and who spent a majority of her life with family and friends in Mequon, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 14th, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.

Kathy’s life was shaped by love for her family, dedication to her friends and community and bringing joy and kindness to all she encountered.

In her earlier years, she took pride in being the oldest sister of her younger sisters, Jennifer (Ginger) and Ann, and her brother Chris all who looked up to Kathy. She loved her mom and dad, Kate and Chris, and loved spending time with her grandparents and frequenting the Greek restaurant her grandfather John owned borrowing recipes that we enjoy to this day.

Educationally, Kathy completed high school and attended Marycrest college in Iowa where she would soon meet her future husband Al Szafranski and that became the beginning of her family life and future chapter in Wisconsin.

Professionally Kathy worked many years for small and large financial, educational, travel, and insurance based companies and had great success juggling work and full-time family responsibilities. Some of her greatest memories are working in downtown Chicago and enjoying the vibrant hustle and bustle of city life.

On top of that, Mom found a great passion for volunteering annually for a the Gathering on the Green organization, which was an opportunity for fundraising and bringing the community together.

Kathy built a warm and beautiful home with her husband, and they were overjoyed when their granddaughter Bria came into the world. Bria became a big part of their life and they have many fond memories of trips to Cedarburg for ice cream and playing in the backyard.

Mom continued to make her social life a very integral part of her life and enjoyed time with many friends playing dominoes, Mahjong, cards/Bridge and always finding great challenge and joy in these activities.

Also, she would always be found with a book in her hand as an avid reader her entire life, plus she has put together hundreds of puzzles and loved that activity very much.

In her later years, she found her new home with her son and son-in-law in Portland, settling into the senior community The Ackerly-Timberland. Mom was amazed with the quality of staff, friends, and members that made her final years fulfilling and opened up an opportunity to meet people from all over the country, many who cared for her up until her final moments on earth.

Kathy is proceeded in death by her parents, Chris and Kate Cougias, husband, Al Szafranski, sister Jennifer (Ginger) Craver, and brother Chris Cougias. She leaves behind her beloved children, daughter, Anne Bistan, and son, John Szafranski, son-in-law Steve Reed, granddaughter Bria Bistan, sister, Ann (Gregg) Dvorak, cousins, and her many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

We are forever grateful for all the loving care mom received for the past 4 years from special caregivers and staff at Providence St. Vincent.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church - North - on Saturday, October 5th from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. The address is: 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg, WI 53012. This will include the Mass and luncheon to follow. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

May the Angels lead thee into Paradise… We Love you.

Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary, Portland, Oregon is assisting the family. Contact # 503-292-6654.