Catherine Ann "Kathy" Avirett

Avirett, Catherine Ann 'Kathy"

82, of Seffner, passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2025. Born April 9, 1943, in Coleman, Arthurstown, County Wexford, Ireland. Kathy is survived by her sister Aine (Michael) O'Rourke of New York; and Von (Patrick) Byrne of Ireland, ten nieces and nephews, numerous grandnieces and grandnephews and cousins in the US and Ireland. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Julie (Mike) Brame and her stepson Richard (Lisa) Avirett and their families. Kathy is predeceased by her father, Philip; mother, Eileen nee Stafford; sisters, Eileen Wallace and Fiona (Aidan) Foley. As a teenager, Kathy immigrated to the United States to live with her beloved Aunt Helen and Uncle John in Cedarhurst, NY. While she was in middle school, the family moved to the Tampa Bay area of FL. It was there that Kathy attended X-ray school and began her lifelong career in radiology. When Brandon Hospital was built in 1977, Kathy became the manager of the radiology department and proudly served there for many years. Later, she transitioned into semi-retirement as an MRI technologist in Tampa, continuing to share her expertise and care until her full retirement in 2012. After retiring, Kathy enjoyed spending more time with her family and friends; traveling back to her homeland of Ireland-especially to the very house where she was born. In recent years, although she spent more time at home, Kathy was deeply grateful for the friends and neighbors who checked in on her so faithfully treating her like family. Their visits, lunches, transportation to doctor appointments and card games meant the world to her. She also felt immense appreciation for her "Angels", and for the nurses and therapists who cared for her with compassion and friendship. Each of them made a profound difference in her life. Everyone who knew Kathy will remember her contagious giggle, bright smile, and the unmistakable twinkle in her eye that could light up any room. She had a rare gift for making others feel truly seen and heard, always engaging with genuine interest and warmth. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 22, 10 am at St. Joachim Catholic Church, 614 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, New York 11516. Burial to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury, NY. Mass can be viewed live via Facebook of Flinch & Bruns Funeral Home through attached link https://www.facebook.com/p/Flinch-Bruns-Funeral-Home-Inc-100063453218751/ OR through a Webcast under Kathy's name at https://www.flinchandbruns.com/ A Celebration of Life will also take place in the Tampa Bay area on, January 10, 12pm at The Shrimp Boat Grill, 1020 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico, FL. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to one of Kathy's favorite charities, Feeding America, https://www.feedingamerica.org/

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