Kathy Spada

Spada, Kathy
SCHODACK - Kathy Spada (née Dederick), 81, passed away peacefully after a long illness on January 22, 2026, at Community Hospice, at St. Peter's Hospital.
Born on October 5, 1944, in Saugerties, N.Y., Kathy was the daughter of the late Melitta and Forrest Dederick. She approached life with grace, determination, and an unwavering devotion to the people she loved.
Kathy was the beloved wife of Lou Spada, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage, built on love, loyalty, and partnership. She was a devoted mother to her son, Eric Spada (Annemarie Spada); and her daughter, Krista Spada. She was a proud grandmother to Lidia Spada, Peyton Corsi, and Julia Spada, each of whom brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brother, Mark Dederick (Stacey Dederick).
A woman of vision and strength, Kathy was the founder and owner of Total Tool, a business she operated proudly for 36 years. Her entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, and dedication made her a respected figure in her community and an inspiration to many. She conducted her business with integrity and care, qualities that reflected her true character.
Kathy will be remembered for her resilience, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She enjoyed aerobic dancing and cherished the lifelong friendships she made along the way. She also loved flowers and gardening, finding peace and happiness while tending to her plants.
Kathy had a lifelong passion for cars and auto racing. As an SCCA Solo2 race car driver, she earned recognition as both a regional and divisional women's champion in her class, even competing at the national level. She loved traveling cross-country with her husband, exploring nearly every generation of Corvette they owned together. Their adventures took them from visits with friends and family to scenic destinations such as Lake Louise and historic Route 66. Kathy was a founding member of Tri-Vettes Limited, a chapter of the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC), and was a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum.
Friends and family are invited to call from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Wm. J. Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer. A Memorial Service will follow at 2 p.m., at the funeral home. A reception will be held at 3 p.m., at the Nassau Sportsman Club, 370 Boyce Rd, Nassau, N.Y. 12123.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Community Hospice at St. Peter's Hospital for the care and comfort they provided during Kathy's final days.
True to her farm roots, Kathy was a lifelong animal lover and advocate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Ulster County Canines or Caring Heart Horse Rescue, honoring her enduring love for animals.
Kathy will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.