Kate DeSaussure Orecchio

Kate DeSaussure Orecchio was a bundle of creative energy and optimism. She was loath to throw away anything because she saw its hidden beauty and secret utility. But on Wednesday, Feb. 10th, the artist and visionary let go the body that had served her pretty well for almost 85 years.

Kate was a 60-year resident of her beloved Milford, Connecticut, and an active member of the community, participating in; the garden club, the PTA, City Planning and, most of all, Milford Trees. Milford’s own version of the Lorax, Kate not only spoke for the trees, she planted them, nurtured them and placed herself in harm's way to protect them. Her deep affinity for her leafed friends ran so deep that at the end of her life, she began calling her adored husband Thomas her “Sweet Roots” and envisioned becoming one with them when she passed.

In 1976 she bought a dilapidated house on the Milford Green which she transformed into a small real estate empire of apartments and commercial spaces. For Kate, it wasn’t just about the income. Over the years many of Kate’s tenants became dear friends. She loved to sit on her deck surrounded by plants, but she never sat still long. There was always something to be planted, trimmed or weeded. And projects! Additions, renovations, antique furniture, gifts, there were always many works in process.

Kate will be missed by everyone who knew her and most of all by her husband Ciro “Thomas” Orecchio; three children: Jeff (Michelle), Ann (Mike), and Pete (Cindy); 9 grandchildren: Zoe (Frank), Grace, Joy, Katie, Ryan, Kim (Steve), Aaron, Miranda, Karina, and 2 great grandchildren: Kylie and Mia; and her sole surviving sibling, Courtenay Austin.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Milford Trees Inc., PO Box 5082, Milford, CT 06460. Or

plant a tree in her honor. Do it yourself. If she were still here, she would have been delighted to show you how.

You are invited to a brief birthday celebration on what would have been Kate Orecchio's 85th birthday on Saturday, 2/27/21 from 10:30am - 11:30am. This brief gathering will be held on the Milford Green directly in front of Kate & Tom's home on Broad St. This event will be socially distanced & masked. Mom's wishes were that we gather on The Green and sing her Happy Birthday & sing we will! No refreshments will be served. The weather in Milford is currently looking like snow and/or rain for most of that day. If the weather prevents you from attending, please remember Kate by singing her a hearty Happy Birthday wherever you may be. This is not intended to be Kate's memorial service so if you are unable to attend you won't be missing the real celebration of Kate's life. We will hold that sometime in the spring or summer, as soon as it is safe to do so. We will post more information on Kate's future memorial service as plans develop.

For more information on this gathering and a future memorial service please reach out to [email protected]