(nee Lazzaro) Kolodzinski, Catherine A.

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, age 80 years. Beloved wife for 56 years to James L. Kolodzinski. Cherished mother of Mary Merlin, James J. (Stacy), Joseph (Kathleen) and Matthew (Laura) Kolodzinski. Dear Nana of Joshua and Emily Merlin, James J.L., Aurora, Anthony, Caterina, Tasha, Zachary, Dominic, Amelia, Elijah, Ethan, Lucas, Lilian, and Philip. Sister of Marie Pierson. Sister-in-law of Francis Sweetman, Daniel (Ellen) Kolodzinski and Evelyn Bonar. Preceded in death by her parents Joseph L. and Angelina J. Lazzaro and in-laws, John T. and Valeria Kolodzinski; her siblings, Grace Martin, Joseph and John Lazzaro and her brother-in-law John T. Kolodzinski Jr. Further survived by many extended family members, including Olivia, Lydia, Bonnie and Tony; her niece Linda and her family (who affectionately dubbed her "Auntie Cake"); and Shawn, Merry, and Anyka who "adopted" Kay as their Mom/Nana.

Catherine "Kay" worked for AT&T in her early career but took time away from working outside the home to care for and raise her four children. When the kids were older, Kay began working in the bakery at Cub Foods and then made a career change, working as an Information Officer for the Department of Homeland Security from which she retired in 2005. Outside of work and raising her family, Kay devoted time to volunteering with the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America (PRCUA) youth dance group for 15 years. She was involved in Scouting for many years; and volunteered extensively with her church, singing in the choir, working many church functions and festivals, and sewing cassocks for the acolytes. She also served as president of the St. Stanislaus Altar and Rosary Society. In her spare time, Kay enjoyed creative endeavors including baking, card making, scrapbooking, and sewing and made clothes and other beautiful items as gifts for family and friends. She was an avid reader and shared that love of reading with her grandchildren whom she loved spending time with. Kay was a proud Army wife and rightly boasted that she put her husband through the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. Kay was loved by many who appreciated her kind heart, generous nature, and her willingness to always help out and lend a hand. She will be greatly missed by all who know her and love her.

Visitation at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Rosary Service at 7:00 P.M. Requiem High Mass on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 9:30 A.M. at ST. STANISLAUS BISHOP AND MARTYR, 524 West Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee, WI 53204. Please meet directly at church. Interment on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St., Union Grove, WI 53182. Please meet inside the cemetery entrance at 9:45 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kay's honor can be made to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association, 13400 Bishops Lane, Suite 120, Brookfield, WI, 53005, or https://wiparkinson.org/donate/.