Katherine Joanne Pampena

On September 23, 2024, Katherine Joanne Pampena's battle with esophageal cancer came to a peaceful end at home as she passed with family by her side. On January 5, 1949, Katherine (Kathie) was born to Joan Bergamasco and James Paisley. Kathie was the oldest sibling to a whole bunch of kids that were known to be full of mischief and good times, but we will leave those stories out of this write up to protect both innocent and not so innocent. Seriously, I'm talking big families around here with crazy memories. But that is a good thing since family is what made Kathie the happiest. Kathie resided in the Pittsburgh area for her entire life.

Kathie was a fan of dogs, tv, movies, and collected anything with angels. Her favorite shows were Fire Country and Law and Order: SVU. That is a good thing since it seems like that show will never go off the air, even though she had probably seen every episode multiple times. Kathie has a large collection of angels and an angel tree that she began when she gained her own personal angel - her daughter.

Kathie was preceded in death by her mother Joan (Auge) Bergamasco, her father James Paisley, her life partner Danny Ferguson, and most impactfully her daughter Kimberly Jo Pampena. While fighting an impressive battle to remain with her living family (she is an amazing warrior and that fact can never be taken from our memory), the silver lining is that Kathie can be reunited with the people she misses most. She will be the first to give Kim the biggest hug - from her and from the rest of the family. Sadly, Kathie was worried that her passing would signify the end of her long fight to keep her memory of Kim alive and her fight for justice at the forefront. This has been her driving cause for the last 12 years since we lost Kim to domestic violence. We hope that Kathie's family and friends will continue to take up this cause in Kathie and Kim's memory.

Kathie is survived by that huge family I had mentioned. It includes children Michael Pampena (Tia), Ken Pampena (Lori), Mari Pampena (she has a dog Milo), siblings Joanie Jericho (Bill), Debra Helfrick (Jim), Fred Sonick, Joseph Bergamasco (Georgette), and ex-husband Joseph Pampena (Katie). There are numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Kathie's biggest wish in life was to spend time with family and create lasting memories. She certainly accomplished that.  Milo will also miss his FaceTime calls with Grandma Kathie. Kathie will be remembered with love by those left behind.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday September 26, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 where a service will be held at 7:30 at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., at 421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate continuing to support Domestic Violence causes and awareness in Kathie's name.  A local suggestion is:  Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center P.O. Box 67 Tarentum, PA 15084 https://akhopecenter.org/
(donations can be made on website as well)