Kathleen A. Saatio

Kathleen Anne Saatio, a longtime resident of Garden City, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at the age of 87, after a prolonged illness.

Kathleen was a graduate of Highland Park Nursing School, class of 1958, and subsequently earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Madonna University. Kathleen worked as a nurse, supervisor, and director in various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, home healthcare, and private duty nursing care. At the age of 72, she attended Ecumenical Theological Seminary and became a lay minister for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Kathleen dedicated her life to caregiving and service and was an active member in the Garden City community, where she served on the Drug Commission and the Commission on Aging. She was a woman of God, actively organizing and leading multiple ministries at Good Hope Lutheran Church, where she was a member for over fifty years. Among other services, Kathleen served on the church council for many years, including as its president. Kathleen initiated the Health Ministry Program and received grant funding to acquire a cardiac defibrillator and provided instructions to church members. Through the Health Ministry Program, she visited the homes of the sick and shut-ins to administer communion and offer comfort. Her service was honored with awards from the city, and she was elected regional Woman of the Year by the ELCA.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Arthur W. Saatio. She was a loving mother of David A. Saatio (Ellen), Karen A. Beningo (John) and the late Kevin W. Saatio. Kathleen is survived by four grandchildren, Melissa (Bennett) Tyler, Rachael (Brent) Rubin, Christine (Anthony) Rodriguez, and Ryan A. Beningo. Adored great-grandmother of Alexander, Connor, Cameron, Briella, Charlotte, John, Benjamin, and Lily. Beloved daughter of Louis G. White and Catherine A. White (Brennan). Kathleen is survived by her dear friend and sister-in-law, Nancy A. White, and was preceded in death by her deeply loved brother, Gary D. White. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Patricia Saatio and many loved nieces and nephews. Kathleen was a giver of love and kindness and will be deeply missed.

Visitation Monday, 2 p - 7pm at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. In state Tuesday 10 am until the 11 am Funeral Service at Good Hope Lutheran Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Angela Hospice, or the American Diabetes Association.