June 16, 1964 - February 16, 2025
Kathryn J. Podgurski, 60, of Hamilton, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, unexpectedly due to an automobile accident while attending a family event in Florida.
Born in Quantico, Virginia, and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Kathy later moved to New Jersey to attend Rider University, where she was a proud member of Rider’s first women’s swim team. She remained a longtime resident of the area.
Kathy was a devoted follower of Christ, prayed the rosary every morning and night, and attended church services several times throughout the week. Her faith was central to her life. Beyond her religious practices, she loved staying active, working out, dancing, and spending time outdoors in the sun. More than anything, she cherished her family, they were her life. Known for her kindness and compassion, Kathy possessed a unique ability to see the good in others. She was personable, intuitive, and always uplifted those around her, making people feel valued and appreciated. Kathy’s warmth and light drew people to her, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. Kathy’s kindness, love, and unwavering support for those around her will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
She was predeceased by her father, R. Philip Johnsen, and her siblings, Carolann Johnsen and Richard “Ricky” Johnsen. Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Walter J. Podgurski; her mother, Joan Johnsen; her beloved children, Brock, Benjamin, Kristen, and Kara Podgurski. She is also survived by her siblings, Kristen (Robert) Munson, Kelly (Anthony) Peterpaul, and Kimberly Bachman, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 555 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville.
Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Main Street, Allentown.
Memorial contributions may be made in Kathryn’s’ name to:
Joey’s Little Angels, 223 Sharps Lane, Hamilton, NJ 08610
JLA also accepts donations through Venmo - JLA Angiolino
Visitation Home, P.O. Box 11242, Hamilton, NJ 08620
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org
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I never thought I wouldn't get the chance to tell her what I needed to say. It was always "next week, next month, next year", and the day never came. It was always apparent to me that Kathy loved her children with every fiber of her being. Her face lit up and she beamed with pride at all four of her babies...understandably. She came and prayed over one of my daughters prior to a life-saving surgery, and it gave me hope. I wish I could do the same for her today. She will be missed.
Walt, Brock, Ben, Kristen and Kara - We are so sorry for your loss.
Christina Suarez (Sellinger) and Family
I worked with Kathy at Rose Hill Assisted Living. I hired her as our full time receptionist. She was a caring and giving person. Our residents, families and her co workers loved and respected her. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Kathy’s faith took her to a better place. She will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Kathy & I met when our boys were in St Greg's Pre-school together. She was such a sweetheart and always, always made sure everyone she knew was having a good day.
She was there for so many. Her memory will live on in all who knew her. She will be missed by all. She will be forever in my prayers My heart goes out to the family.💔 Walt, Brock, Ben, Kristen & Kara
With our Deepest Sympathy
Debbie Bilancio & family
I’m in shock and so saddened. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy’s family and friends. Kathy and I met in middle school at Rosarian Academy and both live in Golfview! We car pooled together and swam together for Palm Beach County! She was a great friend and person! She will be so very missed. We lost contact for a few years but were able to reconnect! Sending love to her family 💔
I am shocked and heartbroken 💔 in hearing this news. I met Kathy years ago when my son Chris played baseball at Kean University with her son Brock. She was the sweetest woman and we really hit it off well because we shared many holistic health and spiritual interests. I always looked forward to chatting with her at games. I just found out that Kathy was related to my former mother-in-law’s sister, Yolanda Peterpaul. Kathy passed on the one-year anniversary of Yolanda’s daughter Lucy’s passing. - another sweet Angel. My heart goes out to Kathy’s beautiful children, husband Walt and family, especially her sister’s daughter, her beautiful niece Mary Kate- who needs so much support from friends and family afte…