Kathleen O’Donnell Ferrone, of Tampa, FL (formerly Pittsburgh, PA, and Port St. Lucie, FL) born on July 22nd, 1957, age 65, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, August 18th, 2022.
Beloved mother of Nicole Hurley (Ian Kelly), grandmother of Vincent Ferrone, and her granddogs, Charlie and Suzie. Preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marilyn O’Donnell.
Kathy was extremely passionate about her family, and loved spending time with her grandson, Vincent. In fact, that was her favorite thing to do, ever! He was her whole world.
She was a die hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, adored Betty Boop, and got a good laugh out of posting naughty memes on Facebook, that frequently landed her in FB jail, lol!
She loved cooking, and baking, and was amazing at both! Anyone that ever had anything she made, always said it was the best they’ve ever had. Her stuffed hot banana peppers, and pineapple upside down cake, were especially popular.
She also loved traveling up North, where she was from, as often as possible. She always looked forward to spending as much time with her family, and friends, as she could.
Kathy didn’t have the easiest life, due to many health issues. After receiving a heart transplant on October 30th, 2020, she was supposed to get her second chance at life. Life, unfortunately, had other plans. She is extremely loved, and will forever be missed.
May she rest in eternal peace.
17 Comments
Nicole Hurley
I love you, so much, mommy! I still can’t believe you’re gone, but I know that you’re with grandma and pap; happy, and pain free. Even so, I will miss you everyday, until I take my last breath, and we are reunited, again. ♥️
Love always,
YOUR Nicole ♥️
(Every time my mom talked to someone, whether it be on the phone, text, Facebook, etc., she wouldn’t just refer to me simply as, “Nicole.” She would say, “MY Nicole,” which is why I said what I said. ♥️)
Yolanda McNair
May Kathleen’s memory be a blessing to all who loved her. “When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”~Kahlil Gibran
Kelly
So much love to you and yours Nicole ❤️
Rainey Sarah
I’m so sorry for your loss Nicole.
stiles weston
I’m sad you left this earth too soon. I am glad to have known you for this short period of time and look forward to us meeting again. I know you are looking out for Nicole, Ian and Vincent..
Vincent Ferrone
I love you, and miss you, every single day grandma. Me and mom, are never gonna stop honoring you, and we’ll make sure that everything you went through, wasn’t for nothing. I know that you’re enjoying eating a bunch of sweets, catching up on soaps, and being with your family, wherever you are. Thank you, for everything you’ve ever done for us. I hope you know how much I’ve always appreciated you. ♥️
Alice Olodude
You were an amazing woman that made sure everyone around felt your love. It was an honor to know you and lived next door to you. May your beautiful soul continue to Rest In Peace ❤️
Jess Payne
Mama Kathy! You are so loved and so missed. Thank you for taking me in as your “daughter” and Dj as your “grandson”! And thank for you sharing your quiche recipe with me, I will treasure it forever! Nikki, Ian and Vincent I love you with all of my heart. I am so sorry you have to go through this!
Kristen Seelinger
Kathy, boy; did we have some fun times when we were neighbors. You and my mom loved to post naughty memes on facebook and after her passing it was almost like she was still sharing those memes as you and her shared so many similar naughty things. I’ll forever cherish all of our laughter memories along with our Facebook message exchanges throughout the years. I know you’re pain free now and laughing it up in heaven with my mom, please give her a big hug and kiss from me. Love ya, Kath! You’re going to be forever missed! XO
Nicole,
My thoughts, prayers of comfort and healing vibes of endless fond memories of you and your mom being sent your way. ((Hugs)) XO
Maria Figaro
Kathy was a godmother to Desiree Maynard.. Kathy was a great friend who always made time for us. She put her friends and family before her own needs. She truly was an angel. She loved us all unconditionally. We will always remember you Dear Godmother. Love you. Till we meet again. Maria, Veronica and your Goddaughter. Desiree.❤️
Mike Bastiaans
Your mom was an awesome person, i remembered her from school and was so fortunate to reconnect even if only virtually through fb. I will miss her fb posts, I alway laughed out loud! So sorry for our loss ❤️
Nadia
Kathleen may you rest in peace. Sidney and Jack send you hugs and love ❤️
Yvette
My love and prayers are with you and Vincent and the pups. I k ow all of you are misding her! I miss her too. I hope it helps to know that someone is sending healing light, prayers and Angels to surround you!!!
Anonymous
Oh my gosh! We had such good times. Laughing, dancing and just being silly girls!! Nicole, Ian and Vincent I am so sorry for your loss. I love you Kathy!
I know you are at peace now
and are pain free. You will get to know my babies…Spanky, Nicholas and Johnny. Give them your love like you always did with all of us!!!
Deborah Flynn
Kathy was a true gem of a friend. She took my very damaged brother in when he couldn’t manage life alone. She did everything she could to help him. I am forever grateful to her for that. When my brother passed she was so upset and then said “Well at least he is at peace now” I think she always felt terrible for him” he adored her. Thank you Kathy wherever you are.Love you
Nicole Hurley
Happy 1st birthday in Heaven, mommy! We had Chinese food, and I baked a pineapple upside down cake, in your honor. I love, and miss you, so much! Give Charlie lots of kisses, and butt skritches from me! ♥️
Nicole Hurley
August 18th, 2023
It’s been one year, since my mom passed away. One year, since I found her unresponsive in her room. One year, since I became an orphan, at 42 years old. One year, since my heart broke, more than I ever thought it could. One year of missing her, so fucking much. It’s not fair.
I replay the day she died, over, and over, in my head constantly. It wasn’t uncommon for my mom to not come out of her room for hours, because she was asleep. I let her sleep, but checked in on her, multiple times a day. If only I had done so sooner, that day.
The medical examiner said that none of this was my fault. How could it be? I didn’t cause the graft from her heart transplant to fail, yet I can’t help but think that there’s more I could’ve done, to prevent her death.
She had fallen, two days prior, but insisted she was fine, and again, the medical examiner confirmed her death had nothing to do with the fall, but if I had forced her to go to the ER, they would’ve admitted her, because they always did, and maybe they could’ve saved her. I already know the answer to that, but the “what if” will always haunt me.
I know my mom didn’t want to die, but I know that she wasn’t happy being alive either, since she had so many health problems. Even before her heart issues, she had been disabled for almost 30 years, and was in constant pain, due to injuries that resulted in multiple back, and neck surgeries.
I knew she was gone, but when the paramedics were working on her, I had a glimmer of hope, that they could bring her back. Looking back on it now, she wouldn’t have wanted that.
As soon as they started compressions, I heard every bone in her chest break. She had said in the past, that they were already so fragile, from being cracked open during her multiple heart surgeries. I don’t know if that’s true, but who was I to say anything?
They worked on her for so long. At the time, it seemed like mere minutes, but it was over an hour. I’m so thankful that they tried, but equally thankful that they failed. Had they succeeded, her quality of life would’ve been way worse, than it already was.
As an adult, my mom had a rough life. She worked her ass off, before becoming disabled, but in the end, had nothing to show for it. She deserved way better, and I hate that I wasn’t able to give it to her, since I, too, am disabled, and have nothing to show for my life.
So, as much as I love, and miss her, and wish that she was still here, I take comfort in knowing that she’s finally at peace, pain free, and with everyone she lost, and missed so much, when she was still alive.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️