Katherine L. Vanas

Kathy passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, after a long-term struggle with lung disease.
She was predeceased by her parents, Robert L. and Marjorie S. Lowenthal; the father of her children, Robert J. Vanas, Jr., and his wife Carly Vanas; her sister-in-law, Kathaleen Lowenthal; and her niece, Megan Sterling.
Kathy is survived by her beautiful daughters, Jenna Vanas of Hendersonville, NC, and Michelle (Joel) Adams of Jericho, VT. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia L. King of Tarpon Springs, FL; her brother, Robert (Elaine) L. Lowenthal, Jr. of Canandaigua, NY; her nephews, Oliver H. (Shouraseni) Martin of Coral Gables, FL, and Max T. (Marlene) Lowenthal; and many extended family members and friends.
Kathy graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 1971. She proudly described herself as a "jack of all trades and master of none," having worked many jobs throughout her life. Her most meaningful work was as a home health care aide and as the owner of her own pet-sitting business, Kathy's Kritter Kare. She lived her life in the moment and had an extraordinary capacity for kindness and compassion. Kathy was generous with her time and love. She was always there for a friend—or an animal—who needed care.
She loved laughter and wanted to be remembered with smiles, not tears or sadness. Music was a constant joy in her life, and she is surely rocking in heaven now with all the people and dogs she loved so deeply. Kathy was immensely loved and will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy's memory to Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester (www.lollypop.org/ways-to-give/) or Gleaners Kitchen (www.gleanerskitchen.org/get-involved).
A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Sun Valley Club House, 39248 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. A second memorial service will be held in Canandaigua, NY, during the summer; details will be announced at a later date.