Kathleen M. "Kathy" Newman

Kathleen "Kathy" Mary Newman, 61, of Easthampton, passed away unexpectedly Saturday June 8, 2024, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Born May 1, 1963, in Holyoke, to the late Dorothy “Dottie” (LaBarge) Newman, Kathy was the youngest of six kids. Kathy attended Northampton public schools, where she was a star athlete on the field hockey and softball fields. Her athleticism and talent won her numerous accolades and awards. As a natural caretaker and a born leader, Kathy was drawn to a life of service in nursing. She first became an LPN, then an RN, and later pursued her Master's in Nursing and ARPN. Her decades of experience were not only used to provide expert patient-focused care but also to educate the next generation of nurses, leaving a lasting impact on the field. Kathy was a woman of many passions. She was a strong advocate for her community, always standing up against injustice. Kathy met the love of her life, Ramona “Moe” Madzunovic, in high school. Together, they built a home in Easthampton and welcomed their treasured daughter, Kadyrose. Their home was not just a sanctuary of love and laughter, but a testament to the deep love and joy Kathy brought to her family, friends, and community. Her love for her family, especially her daughter Kady, was unwavering. In her free time, Kathy found joy in nature, often taking 'forest baths' with her dogs. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, antiquing, gardening, cheering on Moe at softball games, and going on adventures with her beloved sister Melissa. Her love of life was infectious, as was her sense of humor. She leaves behind her partner of 40 years, Moe Madzunovic, their daughter Kadyrose LaBarge Newman, her siblings Melissa Miller (Charles), Brion Newman (Bobby), and Todd Newman, her uncle Richard Labarge and his wife Marianne, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. Besides her cherished mother, Dottie, she was also predeceased by her siblings Jamie and Cyrus. A Celebration of Kathy's Life will be held on Sunday, July 7 from 10 AM to 8 PM at Maines Field in Florence. Friends and family are encouraged to pack a lunch/snacks, bring a cooler with a beverage of choice, and a chair. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON has been entrusted with her services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the nursing program at Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, 174 Brush Hill Ave., W. Springfield, MA 01089, to carry on Kathy’s legacy. For more information, or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Kathleen M. "Kathy" Newman

May 1, 1963 - June 8, 2024