Kathleen E. "Kathy" Dearman

Kathleen E. "Kathy" Dearman (née Tarpey), age 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 30, 2025 in Vero Beach, Florida.

Born on November 4, 1943, in the Bronx, New York, Kathy was the daughter of Dorothy and Richard Tarpey. She grew up with a vibrant spirit that would define her life-funny, kind, warm, and always ready to embrace life.

After graduating from Ladycliff Academy and completing secretarial school, Kathy embarked on a career as an administrative assistant. Over the years, she became an indispensable presence at several successful businesses. With her sharp mind and natural organizational skills, she helped run businesses with ease and efficiency.

Kathy had a deep appreciation for beauty and was very creative. She loved fashion and designed her own jewelry-always stepping out looking put together and elegant. Her home reflected her passion for decorating and antiques, and was full of warm spaces in which she enjoyed entertaining friends and family. A talented cook and baker, Kathy delighted in preparing meals that brought people together.

Kathy enjoyed traveling with her husband, Bill, and her adventurous spirit took her to places near and far. She adored the ocean and found peace at the beach. Kathy was also deeply intuitive and drawn to the metaphysical world. She embraced life's mysteries with curiosity and openness.

A lifelong animal lover, Kathy shared her life with many beloved cats and dogs over the years. In the 1980s, she even showed sheepdogs-a testament to her affection for animals. Above all else, Kathy fiercely loved her family. In her later years, she cherished spending special time with her grandchildren, spending many days filled with laughter, stories, and unconditional love.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband William H. Dearman, Jr.; daughter Kristine Zamborsky and son-in-law Joseph Zamborsky; son Timothy Napoli and daughter-in-law Michele Napoli; stepdaughter Heidi Beth Morris and stepson-in-law David Morris; stepson William R. Dearman; grandchildren Brianna Zamborsky, Ashley Zamborsky, Julia Napoli, and Nicholas Napoli; sister Joan Sotherden and brother-in-law Steve Sotherden; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Richard Tarpey.

Kathy's warmth touched everyone she met. Her story continues on in the memories shared by the family and friends who were fortunate enough to have known her.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring in Vero Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VNA Hospice House online at https://foundation.vnatc.com/memorials-and-honorariums/

or by mailing a check to: VNA Hospice Foundation

920 37th Place, Suite 101

Vero Beach, FL 32960

May Kathy's memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.