Kathy Adelaide Novelo

February 13, 1940 – July 26, 2026

Kathy Novelo, 86, of Kona, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, with her children at her bedside. She was born on February 13, 1940, to Catherine and Leonard D’Amico, in San Jose, California, back when the Santa Clara Valley was still known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” for its orchards and rural charm.

Kathy lived a full and adventurous life, with a lifelong love of the water. As a girl, she was a proud Camp Fire Girl and worked as a lifeguard at the San Jose Country Club. In 1955, she was among the first visitors to Disneyland on its historic opening day, a memory she cherished for the rest of her life.

She graduated from James Lick High School in 1958, where she served as editor-in-chief of her senior yearbook and was voted Best All-Around. She went on to San Jose State College, graduating in 1963, and became a beloved public school special education teacher, shaping the lives of countless students throughout her career.

Kathy had a deep love of travel, especially in the context of Christian missionary work, journeying to Cuba, Brazil, Ukraine, Malaysia, Denmark, China, Russia, France, England, and many other destinations over the years. She generously supported missions and humanitarian work around the globe.

Kathy is survived by her children, Joe Novelo (wife Edilma) and Elizabeth Novelo; her grandchildren, Nicholas Puzar and Allison Sharpe (husband Nick); and her great-grandchildren, Joanna, Jensen, and Ginny. She also leaves behind her lifelong friends Lynelle Bandtell, Betty Kinoshita, and Gene Sakai, treasured parts of her life’s story.

Kathy will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her dedication to her faith and her students, and her generosity and kindness toward others. She will be deeply missed by all who knew, loved, and were touched by her.