Kathy Joyce Defazio

Kathy Defazio, our loving mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt and friend was unexpectedly called home by God on August 3, 2019. Kathy was born in Saint John on February 23, 1960. She will be missed by all the people she left behind: her sons Jeremy Lackie (Amanda O’Brien) and Tyler Morrell, twin brother Ricky Defazio, as well as her grandchildren Nitalia Lackie and Emma-Leigh & Laila Kindred, and several nieces and nephews.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents Gerald and Joyce Defazio, and brothers Larry and Tony Defazio. Kathy loved and was loved by everyone whose life she touched. It didn’t matter if she knew you for 30 minutes or 30 years, she definitely left a part of herself in you that you would never forget, whether it be a welcoming and heartwarming smile, a listening ear, a helpful gesture, or a darn good joke.

One of Kathy’s passions was knitting. She truly knitted from her heart, and loved giving a piece of it to family and friends in the form of dishcloths and slippers, hats and mitts, and of course, a new baby coming into this world would not be without one of her amazing sweater sets. “Patterns confuse me,” she said. “I just go by what’s in my head.”

Another one of Kathy’s favourite places to be was at a campground. Tenting first, then buying a trailer, lead her to be seasonal at Three Bears. During her stay, she made many new friends and had many laughs. Kathy loved being around a fire with everyone, especially with her grandchildren, whether it be at her trailer or someone else’s. If hot dogs were being roasted, hers would have to be spider dogs, and she sometimes carried a knife with her to slice them that way. She loved her radio bingo when she wasn’t at the trailer.

Kathy had a warm heart and was so friendly. She was always the life of a party and very rarely missed one. One thing for sure, her craziness and laughter rubbed off on you. Going to the store for marshmallows in onesies and silly hats, standing out in the pouring rain trying to sober up a little so as not to leave a party early, or leaving your house in the morning in her flannel nighty, carrying what was left of her case of beer. When the doctor said, “No more drinking for you,” Kathy still attended with her sense of humour and sometimes funny dress attire, especially on Halloween.

Please join us at Forest Hills Baptist Church on Wednesday, the 7th of August 2019 to celebrate Kathy’s life. The viewing is 3-4pm, followed by a service at 4pm and a reception. We will do it Kathy style, which will include lots of laughs and a finger food potluck. Kathy will be there amongst us in spirit, but if she could attend in person, she would bring her delicious cabbage rolls.

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