Kathleen Conti

What can be said about the end of life? That it is a terrible, tragic experience for everyone involved, more so than even the person in transition? Words simply cannot properly express what loved ones feel in this moment. However, rather than succumb to the pain of loss, it is on us to instead, celebrate those who have left.Kathy Conti was truly a mountain of a woman. Her strength, her determination and her ability to fight through adversity was nothing short of amazing. And life certainly threw everything it had at her. Despite hurdles, regardless of road bumps and in the face of challenges she grit her teeth and pressed forward, all the while sheltering everyone she loved from the storm she was enduring. It hardened her, made her rough around the edges, but at the core of that mountain was a warmth that everyone around her could feel.Though she had a vulgar vocabulary consisting primarily of four letter expletives, and she fought pretty much anyone who looked at her cross, those who got close to her knew she was quite possibly the most loving woman they've ever met. She lived for her family and poured her entire heart into myself, her brother, her nephews and everyone else. Though she was quite the pessimist much of the time, she would do everything in her power to bring happiness to us. Kathy Conti was a fighter. From hard streets, to protecting her little brother in school, to abusive men and ultimately to death itself, Kathy fought tirelessly with nearly superhuman stamina. She never backed down. She never gave in. Even when things were at their most grim, she fought a nearly 10 year war with cancer, against all odds. My mother often told me the words of her father. He would tell her that even the strongest fighter lost sometimes. If you fought every battle, eventually you would meet your better and not come out on top. Unfortunately for her, her final antagonist was one that could not be defeated. My mother left us on Saturday, September 5th at 7:30 in the evening. She departed this world with her hand in mine, and her dog in her lap in my own home. I think we can all agree, she would have no other send off. Before slipping into her final few hours of sleep, she took my wife's hand and kissed it, and then kissing my baby she whispered, "just in case". She left us peacefully in her sleep and her grueling, and painful battle finally came to an end.Kathy is gone from this world now, but she is still with us every day. If she had her wish, it would be that we not mourn her loss but celebrate her life. Rather than share tissue and tears, I urge you to share laughter and stories of her. Remember my mother for who she was when she was filled with energy and taking on the world, not while she was withering away. I believe that if you are reading these words, you should know that you were truly loved by Kathy Conti. I ask that you remember her warmth and her care and know that even now, she is fighting to keep all of us happy and safe.