Calling Hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm, Sunday, January 3 and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm Monday, January 4, 2015
Mass: 9:30 am, Tuesday, January 5, 2016, Immaculate Conception Church, Tuckahoe, NY
Kathi Hart, on December 30th, 2015, 90, a long time resident of the Bronx, New York, passed away peacefully at home after a sudden illness. Her children were by her side throughout. Daughter of the late Wilhelm and Greta Merkenich, Kathi was born in Koln, Germany on March 15th, 1925. She was educated and worked as a chemist before venturing to America in June of 1948 to marry her beloved Danny. Kathi later graduated with honors from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. She then attended the City College of New York earning her Masters Degree in Education Administration. Kathi was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and honored by The National Association for the Education of Young Children for outstanding work in early childhood education. She retired from a long and dynamic career as an Educator in 1991.Kathi and Daniel Hart were married on July 10th, 1948. They had six children and were married for 46 years before Danny’s passing in 1994. She lived an amazing life of discovery and strength. She was lovingly called Oma by all who knew her and she embraced it. Kathi was a strong, independent, and multi talented lady. Her quick wit and endearing charm brought a smile to your day. She was compassionate and caring, a woman of faith with an unwavering belief in the goodness of God. She enjoyed all life had to offer, especially if it involved one of her grandkids. She loved the arts, travel, concerts, plays, and being outdoors. She truly loved being a New Yorker, the beauty of the seasons and the Hudson River. Kathi is survived by her brother Dr. Karl Merkenich, of Germany. Her children Daniel and Emily Hart, of Wanaque, New Jersey, Margaret and Joseph Chiffriller, of Isla Mujer, Mexico, Kathi and Spencer Mannion of Ogdensburg, New Jersey, William and Kathleen Hart of Pine Bush, New York, Maryrose and James Gummerson of Mohegan Lake, New York, and Patricia and Brian McEnery of Eastchester, New York. She is also survived by 21 adored grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Kathi will also be greatly missed by her nephews, nieces, and dear close friends. During her extraordinary life Kathi had many noteworthy accomplishments and highlights but none compared to the pure joy she felt from being the matriarch of her large, loving, extended family. Kathi used to say, “Three score and several years ago I came upon this land to start a new life and build a better nation. I believe I have succeeded. Calling hours at the Fred H. McGrath & Son, Funeral Home, Bronxville, between the hours of 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm Sunday and Monday. Mass of Christian Burial, Immaculate Conception Church, Tuckahoe, NY on Tuesday, January 5 at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in her memory to the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
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