Kathy's obituary
Kathleen F. Seroskie
July 5, 1945 – October 1, 2025
Kathleen "Kathy" F. Seroskie, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, died peacefully at home on October 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Kathy was born and raised in Cumberland, Maryland, on July 5, 1945, alongside her identical twin sister, Rosemary. She was the cherished daughter of Nellie and Vince Firlie and the devoted wife of Edward A. Seroskie, Sr., the love of her life. Together, Kathy and Ed shared nearly 59 wonderful years of marriage.
A proud and loving mother, Kathy found her greatest joy in her children: Lisa (Jake), Ned (Sandy), and Peter (Diane). Her family continued to grow with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, each one a treasured part of her heart - they lovingly called her “Mops!” Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by the joyful noise and love of her big, loud, and crazy family.
Kathy’s professional career was as remarkable as her personal life. She served over 20 years with the Central Intelligence Agency, where she earned the Career Intelligence Medal. Her work took her around the world, and she lived abroad in Lagos, Nigeria, Rome, Italy, and Ottawa, Canada. She also traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East for her job, always with curiosity, professionalism, and a deep appreciation for the cultures she encountered.
Her love of travel didn’t stop with work—Kathy cherished exploring the world and the U.S. with Ed and their children. Whether wandering ancient ruins, walking cobblestone streets, or discovering a small-town antique shop, she found joy in every journey. She was always collecting treasures, soaking up history, and, most importantly, making lifelong memories with the people she loved. Her impressive library reflected her vast interests!
Kathy had a gift for hospitality and a passion for entertaining. One of her most beloved traditions was her annual Christmas cookie swap, which she hosted for over 50 years—no matter where in the world she lived. From Maryland to Nigeria to Italy, Canada, and Virginia, Kathy brought people together through the joy of shared treats and warm community. She also loved hosting big family meals to celebrate just about any occasion, especially her favorite holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and the Fourth of July. Her table was always full of delicious food, laughter, and love—and often, a few extra chairs for unexpected guests.
She was deeply involved in her community and generously shared her time, talents, and passions with many organizations. She was a member of the Junior Women's Club, Girl Scouts, Master Gardeners, the Herb Society, the History Club, the Lake Monticello Beautification Corps, and many others. She loved learning and growing alongside like-minded people and never stopped finding ways to give back.
Kathy was creative and endlessly crafty—a seamstress, cook, and collector of many beloved things. Her Roman Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. She deeply valued her Bible study groups and had a special love for learning about the Saints.
In her final chapter, Kathy faced a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. For a year and a half, she endured with grace, rarely complained, and remained her sharp, feisty self through it all. Her courage and strength inspired everyone around her, and she met each day with determination, humor, and love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in celebration of Kathy’s life on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Palmyra, Virginia. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon reception will follow Mass in St. Francis Hall, and all are welcome to attend.
Kathy's new "favorite" color became purple as it represents dignity, perseverance, and hope, and pancreatic cancer. You are welcome to wear purple or a splash of purple in her honor.
Kathy's legacy of love, adventure, service, tradition, and faith will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved and remembered.
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