Katherine Alice Smith

Katherine Alice Smith’s life journey came to an end on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the age of 68. She was surrounded by family at Cape Coral Hospital in Southwest Florida. She is survived by her husband, Mike Smith; her stepchildren Mollie and Zach Smith; her daughters Lisa Rendone and Michelle Cosco; her sister Debbie Mack; and her grandchildren DJ and Lexi Rendone.

Born February 19, 1956, to Ernest and Joan Herzog (Née Neumann). Kathy was a proud 1973 graduate of Downers Grove South High School, where she began forming lifelong friendships that would continue to brighten her life. She built a fulfilling 27-year career at United Airlines where she excelled across various roles with her steadfast reliability and helpful spirit; creating bonds that became some of her most cherished connections.

Kathy married her first love, Sam Cosco, with whom she raised her beloved daughters. Later she found an enduring connection with Dennis Gelso, with whom she shared a love that would leave a mark on her heart. After Dennis’s passing Kathy found a joyful love and companionship with her devoted husband, Mike Smith, who stood by her side until the very end. Their years together were rich with unforgettable memories, and their steadfast love for one another was a source of strength and serenity in her final days. 

A nurturing and compassionate soul, Kathy was a steadfast “glass-half-full” person who inspired everyone around her. She has a knack for staying in touch, keeping family and friends close across the miles and years. She spent hours on the phone catching up with loved ones, sharing in their lives and offering a listening ear or words of encouragement.

Kathy faced life’s challenges with unmatched resilience. As a four-time cancer survivor, she helped others through their own medical and personal trials, with a smile and unfaltering positivity. She protected her loved ones from hardship, embodying strength and endurance. Reminding those around her to “always look forward, take one step at a time”.

Travel was one of Kathy’s greatest passions. Whether journeying to new places or visiting her children and stepchildren, she embraced every trip, treasuring the connections she nurtured along the way. Her favorite vacations were cruises, often with her darling Mike or alongside family and friends, savoring the shared adventures and memories made at sea. Some of her happiest moments were mornings spent on her cruise ship balcony, coffee in hand, a book by her side, gazing out over the calming expanse of the seas as they sailed. 

At home, Kathy brought her love of Christmas to life each year, decorating a grand tree and creating hand embroidered stockings for family members, a tradition she carried on with her grandchildren. Her sweet tooth was a hallmark of her personality, delighting in desserts and chocolates. She had a deep appreciation for one savory treat: Chicago’s Lou Malnati’s pizza, reminiscing about it right up to her final days. All a testament to her appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. 

Her heart and legacy live on through her daughters, Lisa and Michelle, who were her deepest source of pride. Her own heart was remarkably strong – both in spirit and in life – beating with resilience until the very end. Kathy shared an unbreakable bond with her ‘Sissy Moo,’ Debbie Mack, who was not only her little sister but also her lifelong best friend. Together, they shared not only adventures but the milestones, challenges, and joys of life, standing by each other through every moment.

Kathy’s bright and optimistic spirit, her compassion, and her abiding love for family will remain an anchor for all who knew her, inspiring us with the strength and warmth she embodied.

She is remembered by her husband, Mike Smith, her dog Zoey; her daughter Lisa Rendone and her husband Jay; her grandchildren DJ and Lexi Rendone; her daughter Michelle Cosco and her wife Margot; her granddog Storm; her stepdaughter Mollie Smith; her stepson Zach Smith and his wife Taylor; her sister Debbie Mack and her husband Andy Sr.; her nephew Andy Jr and his wife Natalie; niece Nicky Mack; her nephew Ryan Mack; her mother-in-law Joyce Smith; sister-in-law Val Segalla and her husband Johnny; and countless friends and loved ones whose lives she touched. 

Please join us on November 16th in celebrating Kathy’s life by sharing cherished memories and stories that pay tribute to her remarkable legacy.

Instead of flowers, we kindly ask for donations to be made to the family’s charity of choice, OCRA: Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (details below), honoring Kathy’s dedication to advancing research and providing hope for all who are impacted by ovarian cancer.

OCRA utilizes over 77% of its dollars directly for ovarian cancer research and has achieved a high third party rating of an A- from Charity Navigator.

More information on this organization can be found at https://ocrahope.org/ .

To DONATE, please go to:

https://tribute.ocrahope.org/kathysmith

Let’s work towards ending and preventing ovarian cancer!

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.