Kathleen Mary Miesionczek

August 29, 1952 - September 28, 2021

Obituary For Kathleen Mary Miesionczek

“The twinkle in my Kathleen’s eyes has returned to the stars.” Cherished wife, mother, grandparent, and friend Kathleen Mary Miesionczek (née Maguire), 69, of Brightwood, VA, passed away at the SECU Jim & Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Health in Pittsboro, NC, on September 28, 2021. The daughter of William and Jean Maguire, Kathleen was born and raised in North Tarrytown, NY, before embarking on a life’s journey that would take her to many locales and on many adventures.

Kathleen enjoyed helping others and spreading joy. She earned her associate’s degree in radiology from Westchester Community College and worked as an X-ray technician at Yonkers General Hospital. She continued working and volunteering in the healthcare field throughout her career, most recently as a health unit coordinator for the UVA Health System in Charlottesville, VA. In 2008, she was Volunteer of the Year at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, CA.

Always energetic and full of ideas, Kathleen was an advocate for the causes in which she believed. She assisted in the founding of Depression After Delivery (D.A.D.), the first postpartum depression support group in the country. With this group, she appeared on AM Philadelphia and the Oprah Winfrey Show, among others.

Kathleen believed in the curative power of laughter. She took courses in stand-up comedy and appeared at Caroline’s Comedy Club in Manhattan under the stage name “Katie O’Keefe.” She was also a Certified Laughter Yoga Instructor for the Laughter Yoga Club on Venice Beach, CA.

In 1974, she married her soul mate, Robert, in St. Teresa of Avila Church in North Tarrytown, NY. Together they raised two children and served as doting grandparents. Known to her three grandchildren as “Granny K,” Kathleen was a model of empathy, kindness, curiosity, and resilience as she read “just one more book” fifty times or played cars and trains for hours.

Kathleen is survived by her companion of 48 years, Robert (“my Bob”); her son, Matthew, and daughter-in-law, Amanda; her daughter, Julie, and son-in-law, Michael; her grandchildren, Amelia, Louis, and Christopher; and her brother, Sean Maguire. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and infant son, Michael, who passed away from complications of premature birth in 1989.

A celebration of Kathleen’s life is being planned for spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brain Support Network or the Mayo Clinic, as Kathleen suffered from a neurodegenerative illness in recent years. Kathleen asked to send her love to all. And, from Bob, thank you to all who cared for her as we walked this earth together.

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Condolences

August 30, 2023

Colin Banton

I worked with Kathleen in Charlottesville at UVa. She was always very kind and friendly to everyone. Just seeing this as I searched for her as today is her birthday. Happy heavenly birthday Kathleen. Chip
May 23, 2023

Dorothea Owens

I remember Kathy when she lived in Wantage NJ. A fun-loving lady with a smile always. I tried to get in touch with Bob the Man but was not successful. Would love to share stories with him. Dee and Bob
January 16, 2022

Frank & Barbara Ferrante

Our paths crossed briefly, but most memorably, and we are profoundly saddened to hear of Kathleen's passing. The sweetness of her life is now augmented by the enduring memory of the happiness and care she gave to those privileged to know and love her. Our deepest sympathies to the Miesionczek family, especially Bob, we are so very sorry.
November 05, 2021

gail shaw saldis

Many of Kathleen's friends are remembering her here in North Tarrytown. Our sincere condolences to her family. Class of 70 Sleepy Hollow High School
October 21, 2021

Michael Maloney

Granny K, I'm so lucky to have gotten you as my mother-in-law. Over the years, we got to spend a lot time together, and do different things as a family. Some of my fondest memories are hanging out on the farm with you and Grandpa, doing big and small jobs or just eating and watching old, tiny black and white movies. Thank you for being a kind, caring and gentle soul. Thank you for always laughing at my stupid jokes when nobody else heard them. Thank you for loving Christopher. We miss our little unit every day. Rest in peace, love and understanding.
October 11, 2021

Steve Mullin

Bob, Karen and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kathy. She was a wonderful person full of joy and energy. Our deepest condolences. Steve and Karen Mullin
October 01, 2021

Howard and Nancy Whidden

Nancy joins me in sending sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Kathy. You were her rock as she was your heart. Cherish and celebrate the wonderful memories of your times together.