

Born on February 28, 1960, in East Meadow, New York, Kathie was the second of four children born to Leonard and Harriet Norman. After the family moved to South Florida in 1976, Kathie graduated from Miramar High School in 1978. Kathie went on to receive her Associate’s Degree.
Kathie went on a first date with Mike Fico in 1982 to see the movie E.T. As they dated, they bonded over movies and experienced their first VCH movie with friends, watching “The Big Chill.” They married on September 3, 1983, and built a life defined by love, faith, and a growing family. As a mother of four, Kathie was devoted to being the best mom possible. Her love is endlessly reflected not only in her children but in the countless family friends who considered her a second mother. She was known for saying “I love everybody in the van.” She was known for other phrases such as “Okie Dokie” & “I loveth thou you”, Also when she said her name, she often sang it.
Kathie was truly a people person and spent her life wanting to make an impact on others. She was the first to say hello to someone and she could talk to anyone about anything. She had a fundraising company, for a time she belonged to the Red Hat Society and was on the church prayer team.
An entrepreneur at heart, she poured her creativity into various ventures, including selling skincare, owning an embroidery service, and creating a meaningful jewelry company that honored her father through designs blending the Star of David and the Cross.
Kathie later worked for her mentor at Robin Lewis Insurance where she was known by her co-workers as “K-Fab” a title that perfectly captured her vibrant approach to life and work before her retirement in 2022.
Kathie was a student of life, she had a passion for her faith, her family, and community. Kathie loved Jesus. She loved life and lived each day to the fullest. She always had a smile on her face. One could feel her love coming directly from her heart. Kathie was sincere in everything she said and did. She was a giver & always showed she cared.
Kathie loved music and played the drums and percussion at her church for many years. She joked that she played “the fish.” Kathie also sang all the time. She loved going to museums, tea, houses, and to the movies! She enjoyed going out to lunch with her friends and always kept in touch. Kathie absolutely loved to travel, she recently went on her dream tour of the Northeast.
She truly made a huge impact on everyone who knew her. Her presence was so big that it can still be felt now.
Pastors Ken and Lisa Albin were lifelong friends to Kathie and acted as her spiritual mentors. The congregation at Save the Nations acted as an extension of her family.
Kathie is survived by her husband Mike Fico, her four children Michael (Sara) Sestillo, Melissa (Nelson) Ballester, Brandon (Zibo) Fico, Danielle (Anthony) Cappetto, her 6 and counting grandchildren, her siblings Tom, Terri, and Dan, and her Mom in love Terri.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Friday, February 13th, 2026. Bright and vibrant outfits are welcome to match Kathie’s spirit at the KRAEER - FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Visitation will be held from 11:00 – 12:00. Kathie’s Celebration of Life will commence immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Burial will follow in Lauderdale Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, Kathie chose to raise money to help a family purchase a wheelchair accessible van for Elias by clicking on the link below.
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