She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Michael Dennis Falotico; daughters Christine (Brian) Fitzgerald and Sharon Falotico; sons Brian (Gerard Mazzara) Falotico and Michael (Kristin) Falotico; grandson Michael Matthew Falotico; sisters Maryellen (Peter) Martinasco and Patricia; sister-in-law Carolina (Greg Ronkainen) McGrath; brother-in-law Gerald Falotico; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, James and Mary McGrath, and her brother, James McGrath Jr.
Kathleen was a talented woman who lived a full life of service to others and loyal devotion to her family. She was loved and admired by many. Kathleen was born on March 21, 1945, in the Bronx. She spent her early childhood in the Highbridge neighborhood near Yankee Stadium. Kathleen’s family moved to Emerson, NJ, when she was 10 years old, and she remained an Emerson resident until her death.
Kathleen attended Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi, NJ. After graduating, she worked as an administrative assistant in the New York offices of the FBI. She and Dennis were married on April 24, 1965, and they were the first couple to be married at the newly built Our Lady of the Assumption church in Emerson. Kathleen left the FBI and took a job as a bank teller until she and Dennis started their family. Kathleen later earned a nursing degree (RN) from Felician College in Lodi, NJ, and began a career as a geriatric nurse. She worked at Woodcrest Health Care Center in New Milford, NJ, and St. Joseph’s Villa (the Little Sisters of the Poor) in Totowa, NJ.
Kathleen had many interests throughout her life. She was a skilled cook, baker and gardener, and one of her greatest joys was to entertain friends and family at home. In her 20s and early 30s, she was an avid dancer with Sondra’s School of Dance in Emerson. A lifelong seamstress, Kathleen often made beautiful clothing for herself and her young family. She also was accomplished at knitting, quilting, embroidery, cross stitch and needlepoint. Kathleen had a special place in her heart for German Shepherds, beginning with her beloved rescue dog Sam, and she owned many other GSDs over the years.
Kathleen most loved being a mom. She served as class mother, lunchroom staff, sports coach/volunteer and Girl Scout leader, often for multiple children at the same time. Her volunteerism also extended to her church and the community, as service to others was a priority for her and something she instilled in her children. Church-related activities included Catholics United for the Faith, Christi Fidei, 40 Days of Life, OLV Social Concerns (serving as chair for 10 years), OLV Rosary Society, Knit Witts crochet/knitting group, Right to Life, Altar Linen Care ministry, Seven Sisters Prayer Group and teaching CCD. She was also very devoted to the Eucharist and attended daily Mass. Community activities included service as an Emerson Town Council member, participation in the Northern New Jersey German Shepherd Dog Club and a longtime membership at the Westwood Swim Club.
Our family is certain we are leaving something out, as Kathleen did not sit still for very long any day of the week. Her energy, work ethic and deep sense of commitment will be dearly missed by all who volunteered and collaborated with her. God, family and country were everything to Kathleen, and she leaves behind a beautiful legacy of devotion, loyalty and service.
In lieu of flowers, Kathleen requested that donations be made to the New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center in Westwood, NJ, or Our Lady of Victories parish in Harrington Park, NJ.
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