Mary Kathleen Peske

Obituary

Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Peske passed peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026 surrounded by the family she loved so dearly, following a brief illness. Kathy was the only child of the late Raymond and Catherine Fitzpatrick and grew up in Geistown, PA.

A year after being introduced on a blind date by friends, Kathy and Thomas William Peske, Sr. were married and began a beautiful life together that spanned more than 62 years. Their home was always filled with family, friends, laughter, and love. Kathy was the devoted mother of Patricia Peske; Raymond Peske and his spouse, Ivette; Kathy Reilly and her spouse, Sean; Denise Peske; and Thomas W. Peske, Jr. and his spouse, Christel. She was a proud grandmother to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also, of course, a beloved dog Mom to many dogs over the years, including their latest furry joy, Morena.

Family was the great love of Kathy’s life, rising slightly above a good game of cards. She cherished time gathered around the table, catching up with loved ones, sharing stories, and watching together the latest holiday Hallmark movie.

Kathy was active throughout her life and, while raising five children, built an accomplished career as an executive assistant with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Nationwide. Even after retiring more than 20 years ago, she remained close with many of the colleagues and friends she had made along the way—a testament to the lasting connections she made wherever she went.

Kathy was a true social butterfly. She had a gift for making friends and could bring warmth and energy to any gathering. She loved line dancing and polka, but most of all she loved the music of the ’50s and ’60s. Give her a good song and she was likely to be swaying, singing, and ready to dance. Music brought her joy, and she was never shy about sharing that joy with everyone around her.

She will be remembered for her beautiful singing voice, her love of people, card playing, dancing, and her wonderfully dry sense of humor. Most of all, Kathy will be remembered for the warmth she brought into the lives of the people who knew and loved her. She had a way of making people feel welcome, making them laugh, and making ordinary moments feel special.

Her family and friends will carry that warmth and joy with them always. Kathy leaves behind a lifetime of love, countless memories, and a family who was so fortunate to call her their wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

A mass will be held at St Benedict Catholic Church in Johnstown, PA, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10am followed by a committal service at Richland Cemetery Mausoleum. A Celebration of Life will be held in South Pasadena, FL, at a date to be determined.

Memory wall

October 13, 2026

My heart breaks to hear/ read this news. Kathy was one of the first ladies to walk up to me and introduce herself while on a walk at Bay Island. I was a newbie. I was so happy she did that, Little did she know, her beautiful white hair and smile reminded me so much of my Mom, whom I had just lost weeks before meeting Kathy. I told her the next time we saw each other walking.... and I thanked her for coming into my life with a smile and warm greeting. My heart breaks for Tom and your entire family.
Our deepest condolences and Prayers,
Bev and Chris Baker -Jamacia #338, formely Bermuda #359

Beverly Baker

October 11, 2026

My condolences to Tom and family. Kathleen’s parents were my godparents. I have many memories of Kathleen & Tom, Kathleen’s parents and my parents getting together at our house on Saturday nights to play cards. My mom always made an angel food cake for dessert. They always had a great time together.
May Kathleen rest in peace and enjoy a card game in heaven!

Carol Byer-Massimo

October 3, 2026

I had the Honor and Blessings to know this incredible woman. She loved to walk and Morena was a great walking partner. She had a Great sense of humor. Rest in peace my dear friend. Prayers for comfort and peace for family, friends, and loved ones🙌🙏❤️

Ruthie Carson

October 3, 2026

I had the pleasure of knowing Kathy just a short period of time but in that time I’ve grown to care very deeply for her. She’s a sweet feisty.lady who kept me going ,made me laugh, and I gave it right back to her She would joke all the time that once October came, Tom would be the boss again. Well I guess she didn’t want that to happen. Ha ha rest in peace Kathy you’re a beautiful woman.

Vince Lehmann

October 2, 2026

Our deepest Condolences to the whole family. Kathy’s smiling face will be sadly missed at Bay Island.
Sylvia and Alex Beke

Sylvia and Alex Beke

October 2, 2026

So sorry to hear of Kathleen's passing. She was Ted's cousin and he often talked about visiting family in Johnstown. He remembers Kathleen well and how nice his Aunt Catherine was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I'm sure she will be greatly missed. (Will also miss Facebook posts, they kept us in touch)
Ted and Doris

Ted and Doris Gerhardt

October 2, 2026

My memories of Kathy began in 1989 when I moved to Harrisburg, and became an employee of PFA. Kathy was my walking partner at lunch time, through the streets of Camp Hill. I looked so forward to the time we spent walking and talking, binding our friendship. With Kathy and Anne Dixon, we were fortunate to be chosen and hired by Nationwide to establish an Agribusiness unit within the Harrisburg office. When the unit was transferred to home office we continued our employment in the Commercial Underwriting department, all retiring at various times, but maintaining correspondence and annual visits when possible. Kathy was a remarkable mother, co-worker, and friend. I have wonderful memories of our friendship, and passing on my condolences to her family, and love of her life, Tom. RIP Kathy, you had a great life and delighted knowing you were my friend.

Carol Mason-Dominick

October 2, 2026

My deepest condolences to the Peske family… Kathy always had her finger on the pulse of the Bay Island community…she knew everyone, and everyone knew her…she will be missed..😢

Brian Bartlett

October 1, 2026

So very many memories of spending time at your house when we were growing up in Camp Hill. Lots of love and lots of laughter. Loved when Dave and I would come over on Christmas Day after dinner to hang out. Hugs and love to all the Peskes.

Fritzi Schreffler

October 1, 2026

So sorry for your loss. My condolences to the family. Cherish all your memories. Ppl

Nevanna Page

October 1, 2026

Sending you peace and light during this difficult time I only met your mom a few times but she was always kind very talkative and one thing I knew is that she loved her family. He was blessed to have the love of her life and children that adored her. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Jennifer Stracick

September 30, 2026

Forever cherishing spending every summer growing up with you. I’m so grateful to have had you apart of all of the special moments of my life. I will miss our banter during card games. It won’t be the same without you but now others have a chance of winning. We love you and miss you.

Love, Jess, Dougy, & Sadie

Jess Fisher

September 30, 2026

Mama Peske, you were deeply loved, and we will forever treasure our precious memories. Thank you for all the love and laughter you shared with us. Love always, Ivette, Ray and Lyla

Ivette Peske

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