I am shocked and saddened to just now hearing of Kathy’s passing. What a funny and friendly lady who was deeply devoted to her family! To say “a light has gone out in the world “ is truly an understatement. It was always a delight running into Kathy because no matter how much time had passed I was always in for a good laugh and a great story . My deepest sympathy to her loving children and grandchildren as I know they will forever miss their tremendous beacon of love and life!!

Kathy will forever hold a special place in my heart. She always was a source of joy and guidance, support and faith. She was a beautiful example of the type of person we teach our children and strive ourselves to be. Her smile and sense of humor was second to none. She can now rest and reap the rewards of her life. I will be sending prayers to Kathy’s family.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Kathy's passing. We spoke on the phone only a few weeks ago and laughed as always. I will always remember her positivity, her love of family, and always seeing the glass as half-full. Kathy was dedicated to our children and families. I will always remember our discussions about a variety of subjects, especially growing up in Brooklyn N.Y. I will miss our friendship the most. Rest in peace my friend. 

I truly can't add to the tributes already left here but I can add my admiration and respect for this woman who brought such joy, understanding, and unconditional positive regard to every soul she ever met. The light in the world is a little diminished with her loss. Rest well Kathy til we all meet again
Ruthie

Dearest Kathy,
I did not know you long, but I did know you long enough to tell the world that you were a GENUINE person! I am saddened of your sudden passing. You were such a sweet, caring, uniquely witted, and considerate friend. You will be truly and dearly missed at our Ikko's dinner gatherings.
My sincerest condolences go out to your family, and closest friends. I hope they can find some comfort in knowing that you are reunited with Conrad.
Lifting you all up in prayer,,,

Such a terrible loss for so many
that were touched by this sweet lady. My husband worked for Kathleen as her contractor and he immediately knew she was a special woman. She was so kind and caring. Always a bright moment. Tom shared with me that when he met her he knew she was going to be a friend . Just a loss that is hard to express. Our hearts and prayers to her beautiful family.

I am totally shocked. Kathy and I worked at Kimball Hospital back in the 80s and we stayed close, since that time.  She was a very caring person and a true friend, who was very supportive and a great listener. She will be definitely be missed.

Even though we aren’t technically related, I’ve known Kathleen as my “Aunt Kathy” for my whole life. She and my mom met in the maternity ward and became best friends soon after. The early years included many visits to Beacon Beach in Point Pleasant. After one visit, Kathy helped a stranded stranger who was having car trouble. When we dropped off the stranger to her destination, she offered Kathy some cash as a thank you and said “take the kids out for ice cream.” Kathy—who was always polite and gracious—insisted that she couldn’t accept the offer. Then I (at around 5 years old) chimed in: “Take the money, Kathy Vasconcelos!” (I really wanted the ice cream.) Though I didn’t know it at the time, that was a story we would laugh about over and over for the next forty years.

Kathy taught me so much and I’m missing her terribly. I find myself yearning to listen to a long voicemail from her just to hear her voice. But most importantly, I’m grateful to Kathy for the strong bond of friendship that she and my mother shared. They felt more like sisters than friends. All the Vasconceloses are a part of our family and we will miss Kathy so much.

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to the Kathy's family and friends, and I consider myself one of those friends. My heart is broken for all the things I still had to say to her and to ask her. She was truly one of my favorite people who I have met in my life. I can' stop crying; I will miss you my friend. xoxoxoxoxo

Dear Kathleen,
Our friendship was instant and you made it so easy. I looked forward to our lunches with you and Ann and our not-so-short phone calls and texts. You were a great listener and a better advisor…No surprise there! Although our time was shortened, I will never forget you and your kind and Witty character. I love how you always put a positive spin on just about everything!
The times we shared will forever be in my heart!
Rest in perfect peace my friend! 

Kathy was one of a kind in the very best of ways! I worked with her at three different locations and she was a genuine and authentic delight at all three. The world has lost one of its truly nice, interesting and talkative (in a great way!) voices. My condolences to her family and all who mourn her.

I am saddened by her passing but grateful to have been a part of her life and be left with so many wonderful memories. She was my Moms cousin and when we were kids , my twin brother and I would spend a few weeks at her house in the summertime. Every year we could not wait to get out of Bklyn and go there. Kathleen and Conrad treated us like gold. She was so kind and loving. They would take us anyplace we wanted to go . The lake , the amusement park , out for dinner , you name it. Although it is sad she is gone , I will always have the memories and a place in my heart for her forever. May God rest her soul until we meet again.

Kevin and I are heart broken. This world lost a beautiful soul, a trusted friend, a funny lady and a heart of pure gold. May the light she brought to us all forever shine in that place in our hearts that belongs to her. Love you Kathy.

Oh how I loved listening to Kathy! Her voice brought me joy; I heard incredible stories and an accent that was reminiscent from my childhood, as my father’s family were from Brooklyn and moved to Long Island. She kept you engaged.
~ God Bless You Kathy~

My husband and I were so sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. As others have mentioned in their tributes, Kathy always had the most interesting and usually funny stories to tell .
She was one of the most joyful people I ever knew, and I'm pretty old. Working with her was a pleasure.

Kathy was a wonderful person who regularly made others feel special. She was always ready and willing to fulfill any role in school that would benefit the students or staff and throughout our professional life was my mentor, a co-teacher and supervisor. 
Kathy loved to talk and we would meet occasionally for lunch or dinner with other colleagues. We used to tease her that we had to invite her 30 minutes after everyone else because she had so many stories! I will really miss this lovely lady. Rest easy Kathy, you will be missed.

I’m so saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. I worked with her for many years and knew I was going to have a great day when she was around. She always had the best stories and could make everyone laugh. Her face lit up when talking about her grandchildren. My thoughts are with her family. May she rest in peace.

Kathy was an amazing lady. Such a kind heart. Loved working with her I’ll treasure every day I spent with her. May she rest in everlasting peace

I am so very sorry to hear the news of Kathy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. I worked with Kathy for many years at the Office of Education. Kathy was always cheerful, giving and optimistic. She elevated the mood of any room she entered and she gave her all to everyone she met. Kathy was always so proud of her children and so happy to be a grandmother. Hers was a life well lived! May she rest in peace.

The world will never be the same without Kathleen. Our friendship spanned 70 years, from 4th grade in a Catholic school in Brooklyn, till just last week. How blessed I was to have her in my life! Her kindness, her ability to find the best in everyone was inspiring. Most of all she was a peacemaker..Blessed are they, the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God, Jesus said..this is His promise, Kathleen lived it..she retained the heart and soul of a child, a joy to be with! How I thank Him for letting her be a part of my life!