Kathleen D. Petrausch

Kathleen D. Petrausch, 74, of Ridgefield, CT died peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 after her beautiful heart touched and loved all of the people it possibly could in one lifetime.

It is no coincidence that Kathleen was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1949 in New York City, with beautiful bright red hair and crystal blue eyes just like her mother; a daughter of Katherine (Hynes) and Robert Petrausch Sr., Kathleen grew up in Inwood, NYC with her brother and sister playing and growing together, while attending Good Shepherd Elementary school.

A retired elementary school teacher, Kathleen taught in the New York City public school system and was a dedicated advocate for education. She taught many underprivileged children how to read and write, how to appreciate learning, and how to be a good friend.

Known to many as “Kaka”, Kathleen loved a good party, a really great meal and a delicious dessert. She especially enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family at the ocean. More specifically, Breakwater Village, RI, Long Beach Island, NJ… and back in the good ol’ days - a really fast speed boat, with just one shoe, to Fire Island.

Kathleen is survived by her brother who she was so very proud of, Robert Petrausch Jr. II and his wife, Paula, who Kaka loved like a sister; her best friend, sidekick and little sister Eileen Jenks; her niece and goddaughter, Eileen Foley and her husband, Glenn Hofsess; her nephew and godson, Robert Petrausch III, “RJ” and his wife, Erin who Kaka treated like her own children; as well as her grand-nephews and grand-nieces who she considered her grandchildren: Diondra Straiton, Keira Straiton, Leo Straiton, Bree Straiton, Griffin Petrausch and Preston Petrausch.

In more recent years, Kaka was so happy to welcome three new “grandchildren” into her family and heart with the recent marriage of her niece, Little Eileen to Glenn: Anna Hofsess, Landon Hofsess and Parker Hofsess. Kathleen is also survived by so many loving cousins and close extended family members that she loved very much.

In her very last moments, caregivers marveled and commented on the beauty of how close her family was and how lucky she was to have so many loved ones by her side. What they didn’t know is that we were, in fact, the lucky ones.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, April 30, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield.

Contributions in Kathleen’s memory and legacy of love may be made to the American Heart Association, http://www.heart.org

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