Kathleen M. Paterson

March 22, 1943 – June 14, 2026

Kathleen Middlebrook Paterson, 83, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026.

Born on March 22, 1943, in Rochester, NY, Kathy spent the majority of her life in Rochester, raising her family, and forming lifelong friendships, especially with her beloved girlfriends from Mercy High School. She later enjoyed a chapter in Bonita Springs, FL, before ultimately moving to Cape Cod. She spent her final 15 years in Eastham and Yarmouth, Massachusetts.

Inspired by color, Kathy expressed her creativity as both a gifted painter and an intuitive gardener. In the garden, her devotion was unmatched, sustained by a legendary stamina and work ethic. She found pure joy in the dirt—planting, weeding, and enthusiastically directing recruits where to distribute the ever-present pile of mulch. After a full day in the garden, she loved to unwind on the cottage porch, looking out at the lake. That same boundless energy made her the consummate sports mom, crisscrossing New York State to watch her children compete in cross-country races, soccer games, and swim meets. Kathy is remembered fondly for her remarkable generosity, her quick humor, and her wide circle of friends.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Robert, her four children Sheila (Todd) Datz of Holliston, MA; Rachel (Brad) Reyes of Albuquerque, NM; Rebecca of Pasadena, CA; Matthew of San Francisco, CA, and four stepchildren Scott (Elle Chan) of Menlo Park, CA; Deborah (Justin) Saball of Anthem, AZ; Elizabeth Coughlin of Rochester, NY; and Jennifer (Jason) Gebhardt of Baldwinsville, NY. Kathy was incredibly proud of her grandchildren: Tanner, Addie, Jacob, Ryan, David, Katrina, Scott, Delilah, Emma, Isabella, and Lily Bee. She is also survived by her ‘Irish twin’ sister, Suzanne Hanson, brother William (Sari) Middlebrook, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Service Details

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Church, 2617 East Ave, Rochester, NY on Wednesday, July 29 at 10 a.m. A reception at the Country Club of Rochester (2935 East Avenue, Rochester, NY) will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kathleen’s memory to The Mercy Fund. https://www.mercyhs.com/giving/mercy-fund