Kathy Galardi

A bell rang on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, and Kathy Galardi, 73, earned her wings. She danced through life with such grace and enthusiasm that she taught everyone around her how to find their own rhythm. The music may have stopped for her, but the dance she inspired continues.

Preceding her in death were her beloved daughter, Stacey Galardi, in 1988; parents, Leonard and Gertrude (Drogalis) Glennon; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joseph and Gertrude (Tootsie) Galardi; brother, Michael Glennon; sister, Barbara Smith, and brother-in-law, Mike Smith; sister-in-law, Alice Glennon; nephew, Billy Borowski; brother-in-law, Joe Rosser; and godson, Keith James.

Surviving are her loving husband of 52 years, Joseph "Booker" Galardi Jr.; son, Jeffrey Galardi, and his partner Alessa McHugh; brother, Shea Glennon; sisters, Mary Savitski, and husband John, Maureen Rushkowski, and husband John, Colleen Lear, and husband Mark, Michelle Shutte, and husband Ron, Kelly Glennon, and her companion Jeremy Bahara; sister-in-laws, Beaty Rosser and Gina Galardi. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive, along with many dear friends which Kathy considered extended family.

Born Oct. 22, 1952, in Wilkes-Barre, Kathy lived a full and selfless life. Always one to lend a compassionate ear, a kind word, or a warm embrace, Kathy's love for others came naturally. She often displayed these qualities while taking evening walks around the neighborhood.

As a lifelong resident of Ashley, Kathy's commitment to her community was evident. Early on, she worked with local family businesses such as Clarke's and Perugino's in various roles, but she found her true calling in 1994 when she began volunteering for the Bellas family's son, Jared. After joining the staff full-time in 1995, Kathy trained at the Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia.

Kathy faced a personal obstacle in 1999 when she learned she had stage three bladder cancer. After receiving chemotherapy for two and a half years, she was declared free of cancer in 2007. Continuing her commitment to the Bellas family, Kathy became legal guardian to Jared Bellas in 2011, alongside Nicole Okuniewski. Kathy and Nicole worked closely together as primary caregivers to Jared until her passing after a recent cancer diagnosis in November 2025. For the last 30 years, what began as a working relationship grew into true friendship.

She lived as if every day was a gift to be unwrapped with wonder and gratitude. She shared that enthusiasm with her loving husband, Booker, of 52 years, her son Jeffrey, and his partner, Alessa McHugh.

Since 2011, Thanksgiving has had a different meaning. Celebrating the holiday with Jeffrey and Alessa in New York City became a cherished tradition. Exploring the city from the High Line to Harlem, enjoying brunches at Lillie's, and attending yearly Broadway shows created unforgettable memories.

She did not exist in this world; she improved it. Every act of kindness, every moment of joy, every life made better bears witness to who she was. As Kathy always said, drink in the beauty of the world.

The family will receive condolences from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 105 N. Main St., Ashley. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in St. Leo the Great Church, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley, with the Rev. Vincent Dang officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. There will be no calling hours at the funeral home on Tuesday morning.

Donations can be made in her memory to St. Leo the Great Food Pantry.