Kathi Lee Chaszczewski

Chaszczewski, Kathi Lee
LATHAM - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kathi (Jordan) Chaszczewski of Latham. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. During a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, Kathi fought hard but ultimately was called to fulfill her duties as an angel.
Kathi was born and raised in South Troy, N.Y. She attended Catholic Central High School, where she met lifelong friends. On a fateful spring break bus ride to Florida in 1982, Kathi met the love of her life, Edward Chaszczewski. Kathi and Ed shared the type of connection you read about in love stories. Their romance was full of dancing, adventures, and fun, but they were happiest together soaking in rays on the deck of the pool in their backyard. Kathi always made it clear to her sons, Kasey and Cody, how much she loved them and never missed the opportunity to tell everyone how proud she was of them.
Kathi was a detailed planner, serving as the Events Coordinator at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for 16 years. She was a skilled seamstress, expert cake decorator, professional pierogi maker, wine enthusiast and fast driver. However, above all other things she exemplified what it meant to truly care for others. When her boys were young, "Aunt Kath" had an indelible impact on each of the children she babysat and cared for. Later, despite no formal medical training, she served as a passionate medical advocate and liaison for multiple friends and family members as they navigated complex diagnoses, decisions and therapies. To be cared for by Kathi truly meant to be consumed with love and compassion.
Kathi shared an unbreakable bond with her sisters, Kara Merendo and Kim Bohn, who were by her side through every chapter of their lives. When they were together, the room was always filled with smiles and laughter.
Kathi was the proud and loving "Grandma" to Max, Lily and Finn. She loved hearing them laugh and took every opportunity to make them know how special and loved they were.
Kathi is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Ed, who supported and cared for her until her time with us ended. She is also survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Kasey and Katie and Cody and Sarah Chaszczewski; her sisters, Kara (Mike) Merendo and Kim Bohn; her sister-in-law, Fran (Edwin) Dudwoire; her niece, Makenzie (Jacob); and her nephews, Jeffrey (Kelleen), Tony (Kacie) and David (Allyson). In addition, Kathi is survived by countless close friends whose friendship and bond meant everything to her.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday, February 13, at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, N.Y. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, February 14, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 347 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, N.Y.
Each September, Kathi would participate in the Great Cycle Challenge USA, supporting the Children's Cancer Research Fund.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to this organization that Kathi cared about so much (www.ChildrensCancer.org; Children's Cancer Research Fund, 1650 W. 82nd St., Suite 400, Minneapolis, Minn. 55431).
For further information or to express a message of condolence, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com