Kathleen "Kathy" Zegarelli (née Kozikowski) – devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, the glue that held our family together, the maker of traditions, and the queen of making everything more fun – left us too soon, but not without filling our lives with enough love, laughter, and treasured family gatherings to last a lifetime. She passed on March 19th, leaving behind a family who adored her, a home full of memories, and a lifetime of traditions that will live on through those she loved.
Born in Bristol, Connecticut on April 3, 1958, to Stanley and Florence Kozikowski, Kathy came into this world already adored. Her 13-year-old sister, Mary Ann, became a second mother to her, setting the foundation for the deep love and fierce loyalty that Kathy would show to her own family throughout her life.
After graduating from Becker College in Worcester, Kathy made her way to Watertown, MA, where fate (and a cozy in-law apartment) led her straight to the Zegarelli family. Upon meeting Joe Zegarelli, she confidently told her cousin Carol, “I’m going to marry him.” And, as with most things Kathy set her mind to, she was right. For 40 years, she and Joe built a life together filled with love, family, and plenty of Sunday drives to nowhere in particular—sometimes Boston, sometimes Maine, always an adventure.
Kathy’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishments came in the form of her two sons, Gerry and Michael. Kathy devoted her life to taking care of her boys, there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. Kathy attended countless PTA meetings and freezing days at the hockey rink to support her boys. Kathy gave all of herself to Gerry and Michael, she believed in them even when they struggled to believe in themselves. Kathy taught them lessons about love, compassion and grace that they will pass down to their own children.
When Gerry met Alicia and Michael met Sam, Kathy was thrilled that her boys had found the perfect additions to their family. Kathy loved spending time with her grandchildren; whether she was playing “store” with Adaline, playing catch with Zach or singing with Lucky, Kathy loved every second she spent with her grandkids. In the precious time together Kathy and her grandkids made memories that they will forever cherish. They were, without a doubt, her favorite new chapter in an already full and beautiful life.
Kathy loved her community, she was a constant advocate for Nonantum, ensuring that she would raise her children in community that she was proud of. Kathy took it even a step a further by tirelessly serving the city of Newton in the water department. Kathy enjoyed her work and particularly the ladies she worked with.
Holidays at Kathy and Joe’s were treasured by all of us. She made sure that no matter how big the family got, there was always room for everyone. If it meant squeezing in wherever a spot could be found—on a couch, an air mattress, or even an extra queen mattress she kept stored in a corner of the living room—so be it, as long as we were together. She filled the house with decorations for every season and upheld cherished family traditions, none more famous than her grandmother’s ‘corn dish’, a staple at every holiday meal. Our holidays weren’t complete without it. Kathy will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on through her family that she was incredibly devoted to.
Kathy leaves behind her beloved husband, Joe, her sons Gerry and Michael, her daughters-in-law Alicia and Sam, her cherished grandchildren Adaline, Zachariah, and Lucky, her deeply loved sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and David; her niece Carrie, her husband Mike, and their children Abby, Meaghan, and Michael. She also leaves her cousin and best friend, Ann-Marie, and her nephews Matt, Joe, and Ryan (Py). Among her closest friendships was the one she shared with Lisa Flori along with Lisa’s husband Fay and their children, Daniella, Andrew, Julie (her goddaughter), and Chrissy. She is also survived by her dear brother and sister-in-law, Massimo and Sheila Zegarelli, and their children Francesca and Nicholas, along with many more extended family members and lifelong friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Kathy’s love, dedication, and loyalty to her family and friends-along with her love for life, her quick laugh, boundless creativity, and ever-ready willingness for an adventure- will leave everyone who knew her with a smile, a warm memory, or a funny story. She had a habit of calling the most recent meal, party, vacation, or Sunday drive “the best”. And so, it feels only right to use her own words to describe her. To all who knew her, Kathy was simply the best.
A Memorial Mass for Kathy will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 10:30AM in Our Lady's Church, 573 Washington St, Newton. A Celebration of her Life will follow Mass at the American Legion Post 440, 295 California St, Newton.