Kathleen D. (Rourke) Puzo, 81, of Worcester passed away surrounded by the ones she loved, Thursday, December 3rd 2015. Kathleen was at peace with knowing that she will be meeting in heaven her husband of 56 years Richard M. Puzo who passed away in September of 2013.

Kathleen a native of Worcester, and daughter of the late Edward A. and Nellie (Magill) Rourke was born in Worcester on January 25, 1934. She graduated from Commerce High School and has lived here most of her life.

Kathleen worked many years in nutrition for first the Shrewsbury School Department at Calvin Coolidge School and then the University of Massachusetts Medical Center before retiring.

She is survived by her five devoted children, Wilfred Lamothe and his wife Cathy, Richard Puzo and his wife Carol all of Worcester, Beverly Battista and her husband Barry of Agawam, June Battista of Worcester, Lori Zinkevich and her husband Mark of Cherry Valley; a brother, Paul Rourke of Worcester; two sisters, Beverly Anthony and Barbara Thomas both of Shrewsbury; eleven grandchildren, Gavin and Seana Lamothe, Robert and Dakota Zinkevich, Matthew and Nicholas Battista, Stephanie Fabrycki and Mandy Puzo, George, Josh and Jermey Hughes; three great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A brother, Edward Rourke and three sisters, Helen Witkowski, Gladys Zinkus and Connie Minichilli pre deceased her.

Kathleen was a member of St John Church. Kathleen believed her husband, her children and grandchildren always came first in her life no matter what. She was the backbone of her family and remained devoted to them her entire life, especially her “Richie”. Kathleen also most enjoyed singing Irish songs with her beloved sister Beverly and lifelong playmate. She was a beautiful person who always had a smile for everyone, she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; Holidays were the highlight of her life with decorating for the next one the day after one was over.

She most enjoyed spending time with family and friends, family dinners, arts, crafts traveling notably to Ireland three times , Our Lady of Fatima in Canada along with many cruises. She truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important and she had room in her heart for everyone she met. There was always a seat at her table for anyone and her door was always open. She was very generous with her love. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten. In Kathleen’s younger years, she was once a contestant in the Miss Georgia Pageant.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family during calling hours Wednesday, December 9th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held Thursday, December 10th from the funeral home with a procession to St. John Church, 40 Temple Street where her Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St John Church Food Pantry, 40 Temple St., Worcester 01604.

The Puzo family would like to thank the Staff of the Beaumont of Worcester, University of Massachusetts Hospital and VNA Care Hospice for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to Kathleen during a difficult time.