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Kathleen Bemben Obituary
Hadley, MA - Kathleen A. "Digger" Bemben, 75, of Hadley, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in Northampton on August 31, 1950, to the late Frederick and Irene (Szostak) Bemben.
Kathy was a graduate of Hopkins Academy and later pursued her career after receiving a bachelor's degree from Bay Path University and UMass Amherst. She worked for several years at the Valley Advocate as a supervisor and more recently because of her love for animals she volunteered her time as a caretaker for an animal sanctuary in California.
She had a great fondness for horses and all animals, for music, and for Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles. She played bass in several bands including The Judy Hensler Band, and loved watching Leave It To Beaver and Gunsmoke reruns. Kathy will truly be missed by her family and her many friends.
She is survived by her brother Peter Bemben and his wife Jacqui Zuzgo of Hadley, brothers-in-law, Paul Zabawa of Los Angeles, CA, and Kevin Zabawa and his wife Deirdre of Longmeadow, sisters-in-law, Sharyn Hocurscak and her husband Steve of Sterling, Dianne Sutherland and her husband Don of Agawam, her nephews, Patrick Bemben and his wife Carolyn, Andrew Bemben and his fiancée, Mary Ellie, Ned and Malcolm Zabawa, and nieces, Torrie Sutherland, Stacy Hocurscak, Nicole and Amanda Zabawa, and many dear friends.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband David L. Zabawa.
Burial will be Friday October 10, 2025, at 11 AM in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Hadley. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON has been entrusted with her services. A Celebration of Life will be at a later date and will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy's memory to the Franklin County Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Ln., Turners Falls, MA 01376, or to the Hadley Food Pantry C/O Most Holy Redeemer Parish, 120 Russell ST., Hadley, MA 01035.
For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Bemben
4 Entries
Karla Stefansson
October 6, 2025
I´m so sad to hear of Digger´s passing. We met at the Advocate where she was a fixture.she befriended me immediately. Along with this friendship came a lot of parties and get togethers she seemed to be holding. She had a LOT of friends. And then she met Dave. What a most delightful couple they were. Digger had a lot of heartache, but she also had a lot of joy that she radiated back to those in her circle. I lost contact when I moved to Maryland, sad to say. Happy trails and open roads my friend. And thanks for all the great memories.
Pat Hayes
October 5, 2025
I was blessed to know Digger for over 49 years. She was one of my first friends when I worked at the Valley Advocate and we always remained close buddies. She was the glue that bound together many fellow Advocados for life. She was generous, feisty, kind, and funny. She was my favorite traveling companion and we went to the New Orleans Jazz Festival three times, among so many adventures along the way. Like so many others who loved her, I will miss her forever.
Carol Fill
October 4, 2025
Kathy was such a dear friend all through our school years. She was smart, fun with the most beautiful personality. I was blessed to have her as a friend. Rest in peace Kathy.
Peggy carey
October 3, 2025
I´ve known Digger for over 40 years. She was a special woman with a lot of love for everybody around her. Love to give him parties so all her friends could get together. I will miss her till the day I die.
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