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Kathryn Kania Obituary
Kathryn P. (Kathy) Kania, 53, of Basalt, CO, passed away suddenly on July 11, 2014. She is predeceased by her father, Albert Thomas, who passed away 31 years to the date; her mother, Henrietta; grandparents, Josephine and Leo Kania and Mary and James Pisano. She is survived by her brother, Michael (Gwen) Kania; her sisters, Carolyn (Roger) Froehlich and Annette (Ed) Rotthoff; 3 nephews, Thomas and Kevin Kania, Jacob Froehlich; 2 nieces, Melanie Kania and Brynn Froehlich. Kathy was born in Endicott, NY, graduated in 1979 from Owego Free Academy, Owego, NY, attended college in the Binghamton, NY area and was employed as a software quality assurance expert for many local NY firms. She changed careers and moved to Colorado in 2000, graduating from the Colorado School of Healing Arts and became a trained and licensed Massage Therapist, specializing in Somatic Experience (SE) and Craniosacral Therapy (CST). In 2006, she moved to Basalt, Colorado to enjoy mountain living. Kathy's therapy work brought her to many places around the world, including Hawaii, California, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Africa and most recently Rwanda, where she provided charity massage relief to many struggling Rwandans. Kathy had a zest for life and a propensity to make friends with whomever she met. Once you met Kathy you were her friend for life. Kathy was an avid biker, snow skier and snowboarder, taking advantage of the many trails and slopes that Colorado had to offer. She loved to attend concerts, social gatherings, and being with her many friends. She will always be remembered for her caring deeds, her beautiful aura, and her free spirit. Her immediate family welcomed friends at a celebration of her life at East Maroon Portal Picnic Site in Aspen on Tuesday, July 15th. A celebration for her hometown friends and family will be held at the Parkview Restaurant in Owego, NY on Saturday, August 16, from 2-5 p.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Kania
Debbie
July 9, 2025
I just went back ti Colorado for a visit it was my first visit in 15 years. I thought about Kathy a bunch because we had such a nice visit my last time. She is missed and thought of often.
Nina
July 13, 2021
I'm still heartbroken, missing my girlfriend and everything we'd been through together. It's summer, so we would be having so much fun.
Missing you, Kathy. Always in my heart.
Deborah Klein
July 9, 2019
Maybe because I left Colorado before your passing... I still find it hard to believe. You were so alive and vibrant and loving life. Thinking of you today.
Anthony Pacini
April 19, 2015
Annette, Mike and Carolyn,
Very sadden to learn of Kathy's passing. So sorry for your loss. Kathy was liked by all who met her. She will be missed.
Jim Bowen
December 1, 2014
Really sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. I will always remember her energy and enthusiasm. She was such a wonderful caring person who will be missed so much by all her friends and family. Jim
August 9, 2014
Carolyn (CK) sorry to learn about your sister and sincerely hope you are doing well in life. I was/have been searching for you (because of the special times we shared) and saw the photo of you and Kathryn at a younger age and just knew that was who I remembered from working with you on Clearwater Beach in 1980's. Although this is not the appropriate way to contact the only thorough-fare resource I found. Would like to catch up with you and wish I could be in NY on Sat 8/16 to celebrate your sisters life and maybe see you again. If you care to connect, Cheri Strachan (aka Jack's Place) [email protected]. May your sister be resting peacefully in the place of her dreams. Cheri, Treasure Island, Florida
Deborah Klein
July 24, 2014
I'm so sorry of the loss of Kathy, so hard to believe. What a loving, kind person, with a beautiful spirit. I'm sorry we lost touch, I will never forget her kindness and friendship. We met on our first day of work in Aspen but I moved away 2009. Sending my condolences to her family, some of whom I did get to meet while living in CO. Thinking of you all. Debbie
JILL Kops
July 23, 2014
Kathy had a zest for life like no other. She lived ever single life to the fullest,was engaging with all that knew her, was caring, healing, fun, silly, and a great buddy of mine. My deepest condolences to her siblings who she loved very much. I will keep her in my heart always.
Cathy Silton
July 23, 2014
A Unique Touch
Your company's name said so much
about you how through
strong, soft healing hands, and in your singular way
with your very own guileless choreography,
Dancing through your peaks
You helped us and those with much less,
wade through our streams and valleys
Dear Kathy, little feather --
Perhaps for us you can exist even more so now
as now inside us you reside --
in our hearts, minds, and souls,
and outside too, hung upon the stars
Colorfully skipping on rainbows, and prisms everywhere
reflecting your diminutive dynamite
Dana Dodge
July 22, 2014
To Mike, Caroline and Annette,
I'm so sorry for you all. I remember Kathy as kind and warm and always smiling. What a tremendous loss for you, and everyone.
All my love,
Dana Dodge
Kai Staats
July 21, 2014
I just learned of Kathy's death. I am stunned.
I met her last fall in Moab, at a coffee shop. A week later she visited me on a Ranch where I was then living.
She spoke of wanting to visit Africa. I shared my many experiences on the African continent and encouraged her to extend her trip, to truly dive in.
She did! --and from from the updates she sent, she engaged every minute fully. I was amazed by how easily she traversed, flowing from one place to the next with relative ease.
When she visited me here in Cape Town, South Africa (where I now live) just two months ago, we went surfing and out for lunch. Her unbridled enthusiasm was childlike and exciting, even when the waves tossed her about. I loved that about her.
We tried to talk via Skype since her return, and now I am deeply saddened I will never receive the full story of her adventures, will never again hear her voice.
You are missed Kathy ... thank you for being in my life.
Nina Dropcho
July 20, 2014
New Yorkers: Thank you for sharing Kathy with Colorado. She was a shooting star, a brilliant ball of light, only meant to be here for a little while. She was one of the most special friends ever in my life and I miss her terribly, but I'm so grateful for her time in my life.
July 18, 2014
You are missed already. RIP.
David Paccone
July 17, 2014
Kathy was two years older than me, but I will always remember her as she kept many of the kids in the Clover Road, Meadow Lane, Pennsylvania Ave area of Apalachin, NY under her wing when we got out of hand. My condolences to her entire family.
Mark McCormack
July 17, 2014
To the entire Kania Family .... My sincere condolences. May the memories of Kathy live on in your hearts and help ease your pain.
Jan Olson
July 16, 2014
Kathy always spoke with such enthusiasm about what was going on in her life. I last saw her in Snowmass April 21st and she was
so excited about her trip to Africa and new career turn and I'm really glad it all turned out well for her. I'll always remember her when I hear the music of Rusted Root. She always spoke highly of her family and visiting her sisters. Kathy is an inspiration for us all!
July 16, 2014
A-nette and Ed, so sorry to hear of K-nut's passing - really miss all the fun times we had. We think of you guys often. Peace and love to all, Louise and Kris
July 16, 2014
Mike, Gwen and family,
So sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers today and in the days ahead.
The Neferis Family
Sheryl Williams(BROWN)
July 16, 2014
A young life cut short, with so much love and life to give. May the family and close friends of Kathy find comfort in the days ahead and cherish those memories once shared. Kathy always had a friendly smile on her face working through the halls of school.
Laurie (Angelo) Valentine
July 15, 2014
To Mike, Carolyn, and Annette. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very sad time of loss. I will always remember Kathy as a very sweet girl and one of my first friends when I started attending Apalachin Middle School in 6th grade. I pray that you all would feel God's comfort. I am so sorry for your tragic loss.
Nancy Rallo
July 15, 2014
Mike, Carolyn, and Annette,
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your beloved sister, Kathy. There are simply no words I can offer to bring you comfort, except to ask that you allow your happy memories of her to fill your heart. Another sad loss for our Clover Road Family.
Kathleen (Federowicz) Korn
July 15, 2014
Mike, Carolyn and Annette,I remember growing up on Clover Road with all of you...and working with Mike at Harris Food grocery store for a time. I am truly sorry for your loss...will be thinking/praying for you and your families.
July 15, 2014
So sadden to hear of this loss...our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all the friends of Kathy. She was a special angel to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Gail Caffery Smith
Gail Cafferty Smith
July 15, 2014
We are so sad to hear of this tragic loss...out thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that had the great opportunity to know Kathy. I remember when my family moved to Apalachin in the early 70's Kathy was one of my first friends. Such a great smile and so much love to give to everyone.
Kathy Ward
July 15, 2014
I am speaking for the entire Ward family, our hearts are broken, May God comfort you at this time.
Nancy Wheeler
July 15, 2014
Mike, Carolyn and Annette,
I am very sorry to learn of Kathy's passing. She was friendly and always smiling. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Colvin Karpel and Dave Ludovici
July 15, 2014
Dave and I remember Kathy from high school. She graduated the same year we did. She always had a smile on her face that could brighten everyone's day. We saw her a year or so ago in Owego and her smiling personality was exactly as we had remembered. Our condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed, but the remembrance of her smiling face lives on and on.
Brian & Sue Liberty
July 15, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to Kathy's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patrick cassidy
July 15, 2014
Kathy is sorely missed.Such a beautiful.caring person.
So full of life and energy.
I will always remember all the fun we had.
Brenda Van Putten
July 15, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Kathy's family and her friends who had the joy and honor of having her in their lives. I became friends with Kathy during our days at Link. I have many many fond memories of our friendship while she lived in here in NY. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
July 15, 2014
Kania Family- I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. Such a tragic loss.. thoughts and prayers..
an Apalachin neighbor
July 15, 2014
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
Jackie Robinson
July 15, 2014
So sad to hear of Kathy's passing. I was blessed to be her housemate in the early 90s and to keep in touch at the Class of '79 reunions. Keeping you all in my prayers. Kim Sikora
Just as I remember Kathy.
Mary Hoch
July 15, 2014
Dear sweet Kathy,
Even though, we have lost touch since the Link days, this is heartbreaking news. I think of you with your big blue eyes, big bright smile and warmth. You were always a bright spot coming into the office, always happy, always kind, always fun to be around, and always good stories. One thing I recalled was how crazy you were about your family and it doesn't look like that has changed. And it is very evident the huge impact; you have had on everyone's life. I am not surprised! My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy's family and friends.
Rest in peace, my long lost friend.
July 15, 2014
Dear Michael, Carolyn and Annette, we were so very sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. I remember her as a friend of our daughter Judy, and have many fond memories, even of baking cookies in our kitchen on Clover Road as a young girl You are all in our hearts and prayers. Pat & Joe Federowicz, Apalachin, NY.
Leanne Lawrence
July 15, 2014
Kathy was a light in this world - a uniquely beautiful spirit, and I am proud to have called her a friend... Sending you all Love and Light
Maureen Hawley
July 15, 2014
Kathy was a wonderful person. I was able to spend time with her last summer while I was visiting in Colorado. We went hiking and enjoyed time near Basalt and Aspen. I am so grateful I had this time with her and that my kids were able to meet her and hear her life stories. She is a bright light and knew how to really live life to the fullest. Keeping her family in my thoughts.
July 15, 2014
I met Kathy through my husband Jerry and remember her being an incredibly kind, friendly, engaging and really fun person. I feel so blessed to have known her and to have had the opportunity to share some great times with her! My condolences to her family and close friends.
Michelle Murawski
Jeff Schwarz
July 15, 2014
Kathy was a very kind and interesting person.I haven't seen her since are GE days in the mid 80's but I had a feeling after she left GE , she would go on to bigger and better things that would really matter in life. By what I read from her obit, she did just that, by helping other humans . When you boil it all down in life ,if you can change or make a difference in someone life for the better, you lived a full and meaningful life and I believe Kathy achieve that goal. God bless her.
July 15, 2014
Dear sweet Kathy....I remember you so well,you had such a sweet spirit. Am so sorry you had to leave us so soon. Joan Sikora
Christopher Harendza
July 15, 2014
I met Kathy only a couple of times many years ago and my experiences were spot on with what I read read about her life. My sincere condolences to Mike and the entire Kania family.
July 15, 2014
Sending our condolences to all the family and friends.
Ken Fish
July 15, 2014
Please accept sincere condolences to Kathy's family. I worked with Kathy at LINK.
July 15, 2014
Please accept my sincere condolences to Kathy's family. I worked with Kathy at LINK.
Jim and Nancy Eiklor
July 15, 2014
So sad to hear about Kathy's passing,I will always remember her great spirit and attitude. Prayers go out to her family.
Diane Macdonell
July 15, 2014
My heart sinks as I read this. We lost touch many years ago, but I will forever remember Kathy from our days at Link. A spunky, funny, lively burst of spirit, she brought sunshine to the workplace and smiles to the faces of our entire team. She was an optimistic, light-hearted girl who loved her family and any excuse to have a little fun... a beautiful and really great person. My deepest condolences to Kathy's family and friends... she may be gone for now, but I hope it brings you comfort in knowing that she can never be forgotten.
Joe & Gail Federowicz
July 15, 2014
Very sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. All of the family is remembered in our prayers.
Mark Battista
July 15, 2014
To the family and many friends of Kathy. The news hit hard of Kathy's passing. She really was one of a kind. She was a close friend to my family. God bless her.
Kristen Saunders (Sikora)
July 15, 2014
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Kathy was such a sweet girl. She was so much fun and so kind to everyone.
Steve McRory
July 15, 2014
Mike, Carolyn, and Annette,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Life's full circle, from growing up as neighbors on Clover Rd to both of our families suffering the loss of a loved sibling in the past year. We know how tough it is, and hopefully the many happy memories of your years with Kathy will help. Very sorry and will be thinking of the three of you and your families. God Bless!!
July 15, 2014
Mike, Carolyn and Annette,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of Kathy ..Clover Road as kids, High School, and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with you especially tonight as you celebrate her life. God Bless.
Brian McRory and Family
July 14, 2014
KATHY IS A FRIEND OF MINE FOREVER, K WAS TO MEET US AT LAKE POWELL THIS FALL.:( GONE TO SOON.
HANG IN THERE KIM, LOVE LA KATHY,
STAN THE MAN. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
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