Kathleen Marie "Kathy" Sansone

1950 - 2018

Sansone, Kathleen Marie "Kathy" (Nee Cotter) RN, age 68, rolled her eyes at us for the last time on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, in West Allis, Wisconsin. Born to the late Richard and Arlene (Hecker) Cotter on March 1, 1950, Kathy was the little sister of Thomas and big sister to eight: Lynn (the late Jeffrey) Schmus, Jean (Dennis) Heller, Michael (Anita) Cotter, John (Sharon) Cotter, James (Robin) Cotter, Christopher (Margaret) Cotter, Margaret (Jeff) Wagner, and Joan (Terry) Hughes. She cared for her family after the early death of her mother in 1970 and has, in smaller ways, ever since. Introduced by her cousin Susan Searing, she dated, then nine months later, married Michael Anthony Sansone on April 23, 1971. She gave birth to one son, Anthony Thomas, in 1972. She cherished her "daughter" Allison (nee Hantschel) and doted on her only grandchild, Liadan Kathleen, her namesake. Kathy was thoroughly modern and completely old fashioned. She served as a registered nurse and then in the insurance industry for years, often getting perfect marks on her reviews. She got in early and worked hard, but came home to be with her family. Outside her exceptional career, she did what she loved: cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, and quilting. Many enjoyed the benefits from these loves: a good meal, a cookie, a dress, a blanket, a quilt. Kathy enjoyed brandy old fashioneds sweet and red wine. She was a lifetime fan of the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks -- even in bad years -- and saw them in person as often as possible. She saved well and spent smartly, getting her son through private high school and state college then managing to retire early. Kathy volunteered at Wheaton Franciscan and got to spend many long winters in Florida in her retirement. She had traveled through most the U.S. and visited Ireland twice, once with her late father. She taught her son the values of hard work, an orderly home, a dedication to family, and a kind heart. He hopes to live up to the examples she set. Her only regrets are not seeing either Scott Walker or Donald Trump removed from office. She is reunited in death with her parents, her grandparents, and her second son Michael. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, four sisters, five brothers, and some ridiculous amount of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She loved them all. Visitation will take place at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Wauwatosa, WI on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Service at 7:00 PM. The family wishes to thank the staff of the NICU and 10th floor of St. Luke's Hospital and the staff of Vitas Healthcare for their excellent care. A scholarship has been established in Kathleen's name at St. Joan Antida High School. Donations may be made to the Kathleen Sansone Scholarship Fund by mail to St. Joan Antida High School, 1341 N Cass St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 or online at www.saintjoanantida.org/support. Add the scholarship name in the memo field.