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Kathleen Petrocco Obituary
NOV 16, 1982 - JUL 14, 2019
Our Katie (or Kate), took care of everyone and everything around her. Whether she was raising funds and awareness for the fight against epilepsy, organizing fundraisers for the dance and football teams, or coordinating family holidays, Katie did it all with passion, purpose, and pride. She took such joy in throwing parties for others with festive decorations, ridiculous bounce houses, and way, way too much food. She was at her best when helping others celebrate and enjoy life. It is no surprise that Kate's last professional title was Victim Advocate. She was always a voice for the voiceless, and a tireless advocate for those with disabilities. Kathleen Theresa Rafferty Petrocco was taken far too soon on July 14, 2019. She leaves behind her ultimate pride and joy, her children, Dominic and Sophia. Katie was also an adored aunt of Rose, Patrick, and Claire, the beloved sister of Danny (deceased 9/14/17) and Moira, and devoted sister-in-law to Emily and Brian. She herself was the pride and joy of Eileen and Gerald Rafferty. Loved also by the May Family, Sheila Fitzsimmons and Gregory Aldridge, and our O'Connor cousins. To know Kate was to stand in sunlight, if only for a moment. She had an incredible, loud, full laugh and a smile that could light up a stadium. She was beautiful, stunningly so. An avid reader, Katie devoured books in mere hours and loved nothing more than a good debate around the dinner table. A true competitor, no one would ever call Kate a 'gracious loser,' which made it all the more fun to go against her in Scrabble, horse, or soccer. We will miss those joy-filled family battles with her that brought out the best in us. Katie was loved by so many, and brought joy and love to others wherever she went. Her passing has undoubtedly left this world a little darker. But those of us who knew her will carry on her light and her memory, and will help raise her children to know what a force their mother was, and remains. We love you, Kate, now and always. Oh, and Kate, we found the Q. A Celebration of Katie's Life will be held in the coming weeks; please visit OlingerChapelHill.com for updates.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Petrocco
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
jeannette pastine
July 11, 2024
I still think of your beautiful girl. I only met her twice but she made a huge impression. Her loveliness was way beyond words.
Jeannette Pastine
October 3, 2019
I met your amazing daughter when my daughter, Nichole, was going to marry Ronnie Marrone. It was an instant connection with her. I asked Nichole ALL the time how 'beautiful Katie' was doing. Katie spoke Spanish with me and she stole my heart the minute I met her. My most deepest condolences.
Lauren Hernandez
August 24, 2019
My name is Lauren Im her sister Ive known her sense I was eleven she adopted me as a sister and let me be her kids aunt Im blessed to have had her for a sister she still is I love you Katie I will never ever forget you thanks for being my sister your amazing. Your celebration I will be at in November.
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Leanne Pergola
August 19, 2019
We just learned of Katie's passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Petrocco and Sharkey families. We did not know Katie. But after reading this obituary we wish we had. May God give her loved ones strength. And may the children know that they now have their own special angel watching over them.
With deepest sympathy. Dan and Leanne Pergola
Drew Hogan
July 22, 2019
I have had the recent joy of getting acquainted with Kate, as a fellow Victim Advocate. I was stuck by her obvious intelligence and enjoyed her humor. Such a joy, and yes, her smile filled ignited the room!
John Kosenski
July 22, 2019
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kate while employed with the Adams County District Attorney's office. She was always very kind, and a pleasure to talk to. My deepest sympathies go out to all of her family and friends. God Bless
Kelly Jones
July 21, 2019
You were an amazing Friend, coach, tea party planner, football scorer when nobody else wanted to do it, my right hand gal to water world with all boys and our twin girls, football mom, soccer mom, assistant coach to my husband, we bought our twins the Italian Bull mastiff brothers, i still wish you had Bubba to protect you. You were my twins momma when they stayed with you, you showed the kids how your elbow went back and Max still tries to make his do the same. How about the time we went to the Parade of Lights in Denver and we fell in the middle of the street... oops we didn't see that big curb.
You loved taking your babies to football practice and then jetted over to soccer practice on the same days, You were such a funny, intelligent, beautiful person with so much WIT about you. I loved the energy you would bring. I loved our chats at our kiddos practices and stories we would share.
My Olivia and Max loved you so much, they never wanted to come home after a sleepover at your house because you would let them make slime or bake you desert. I have so many memories of you and We will cherish them always. We will miss your big smile and we will think of you always. I love you girl and I wish I had the opportunity to tell you in person .
Tina Zimmerman
July 19, 2019
This is devastating. And heartbreaking. May the road rise up to meet her. And perpetual light shine upon her.
Michael
July 18, 2019
It's not fair!!! Why would she be go from this world
Bob Wollenzien
July 18, 2019
So heartbreaking, Katie was a wonderful and kind person. She will be missed by many, condolences to the family. Katie and I worked together and she always brought her A game, her energy was contagious. God Bless you Katie ❤
Bob Wollenzien
July 18, 2019
What a wonderful and kind person, Katie you will be missed by many. I was bless to have worked with her, she always brought her A game in what ever she did! Rest In Peace ❤
Peter Plowshay
July 17, 2019
Special in so many ways. We will miss you Kate!
Love Peter and Brenda Plowshay
April Marrujo
July 17, 2019
I am so devastated to hear about Kate.. She was an amazing woman! ❤ Praying for you all. I am so so sorry.
Sophia M & I will miss you. ❤
Marcia Forman
July 17, 2019
Truly one of the most amazing women I have had the privilege to call a friend.
Jennifer Weaver
July 16, 2019
What a wonderful mother you were to your beautiful twins. Saddened to see your life cut so short.
Jodi Garmatz
July 16, 2019
Beautiful message. Katie was an amazing woman. She was kind, loving, attentive and would definitely turn heads when she entered the room. You will be missed. Love, Joe and Jodi
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