Kathleen Claire Armato
May 18, 1943 ~ January 4, 2020 (age 76)
Kathleen Claire Armato, 76, passed away on Saturday afternoon, January 4, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. She was born on May 18, 1943 in Kenosha, WI, to Joseph and Clara (Dreifke) Loef, both of whom preceded her in death.
On August 16, 1980 in South Bend, Kathleen married Albert E. Armato, who preceded her in death on March 15, 2015.
Kathleen is survived by daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Taylor of Mishawaka, IN; son, Timothy (Sheryl) Farley of South Bend; step-daughters, Chris Ann Knight of Illinois, and Gena (Mark) Wagner of Louisville, KY; step-sons, Scott Armato of Louisville, and Mark Armato of Rockford, IL; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, Kathleen was preceded in death by her sister Marilyn Morelli, and her brother, Denny J. Loef.
Kathleen was employed at Ace Hardware for twenty years doing clerical and payroll work, from which she retired in 2004.
Graveside services and interment of ashes will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend, IN. Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the Armato family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
Suzette Arnoldini (Englund)
I just saw the ""in memory" obituary for Kathy. It is so shocking at first to see our friends photos from high school and then realize theyare no longer here. The time seems to have gone by so fast. I remember Kathy well from high school. Pretty, sweet, kind, funny and such a nice smile. i sure hope she had a happy life and that she enjoyed love and happiness and I know she made a difference in many lives. Rest in peace Kathy.
Mary Irving (Jurgaitis)
I did not know Kathleen but I agree with Suzette in seeing our classmates' photos and realizing that part of our life is now missing. Thoughts of Kathleen's family for peace and comfort.
Clara Cesario (Lasecki)
Kathy will be missed. She was a smart, unassuming individual who seemed to have led a fulfilling life.
Cherie Krohn (Ketchum)
It's very hard for me to write something, everytime I've started I couldn't finish, but I need to! Kathy was one of my very best friends in hi school, along with Sharon (Chickie) Juga. We went to and from school together everyday, most times with a stopover at the 'Chocolate Shop ('our 'Happy Days' hang out) before getting home late and getting me in trouble! We went to everything together, parties, sports games, 'scooping' had sleepovers. I always put Kathy's hair in a French twist for special dates and parties even for her wedding! Even after graduation, we continued to be close - taking the train to Milw almost every two weeks (after payday) and shopping the old downtown. Both Chickie and I stood up in her wedding and she named her daughter Cheryl after the two of us. We lost contact like most of us do, but sat together at reunions and played catchup. I loved Kathy's laugh; she was a sweet, loyal, unassuming friend. I'm sorry that I didn't get to see her during her long illnesses, but she would understand - we had a bond that neither time nor death can destroy; I will continue to love and miss you. I have tears in my eyes as I write this as a tribute to Kathy and it doesn't say enough, but it's the best I can do. You're finally at peace Kathy.
Diane Rose (Schaefer)
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Kathy’s family. I remember Kathy as having a sneaky sense of humor. She was always a good friend. May she Rest In Peace.
Larry Pitsch
Sorry to learn of Kathy's passing. I have nice memories of our time together, we dated during my senior year of High School when she was a junior. We had the opportunity to attend my senior prom together. I was apprehensive and nervous about having to pin a corsage on her when we went to pick her up for the evening. Thankfully, she came to my rescue to assist my awkward behavior and succesfully converted the corsage to the wrist. Was a bit embarassed by this but as always she came to the rescue and allowed me to maintain my dignity. She was that kind of a person always willing to help along with her lovely smile. My heart goes out to her family and friends, loss is never easy.
Corrine Lutter (Martin)
So sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. Although I didn't know her well we were in the same homeroom and she was always smiling and very friendly. My prayers go out to her family.
Marilyn Copen (Birky)
Sorry to gear of her passing