Katherine Norde

Woodland Valley-

     Katherine "Kathy" Norde, a cherished soul known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness, passed away on February 18, 2024, in New Paltz, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 13, 1947, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Kathy's life was a tapestry of love, service, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Kathy's journey began as a bright-eyed girl in New Jersey, where her warmth and tenacity were evident from a young age. She grew into a formidable woman, an astute businesswoman who seamlessly blended her knack for commerce with her innate ability to connect with people. Her ventures were as diverse as they were successful, including a beloved Laundry Mat, a Vitamin Health Store, and an Antiques Shoppe. Each enterprise was more than a business to Kathy; it was an opportunity to meet, support, and share stories with her community.

Her commitment to others extended far beyond her businesses. Kathy was a dedicated volunteer at the Phoenicia Food Pantry, where she contributed her time and energy to ensure that no one in her community went hungry. She served with passion as the past President of the Shandaken Senior Citizens, advocating for the well-being of the elderly and fostering a sense of camaraderie among members. Her service also included her role in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, where she took pride in supporting veterans and their families, a cause close to her heart as the proud spouse of her husband, Theodore "Ted" Norde, who served this country in Vietnam.

Kathy's love story with Ted was one for the ages. Married for forty years, Ted said that he was the "luckiest guy in the world" to have shared life's journey with her. Together, they created a legacy of love and resilience, a bond that was only strengthened with the arrival of their son, Ted Norde. Kathy's pride in her son was boundless, and she took immense joy in every one of his accomplishments, and those of her most beautiful grandchildren: Theo and Natalie.

A woman of many interests, Kathy found solace and delight in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid flower gardener, her hands often deep in the earth, nurturing beauty to share with all who passed by. Her favorite color, a serene shade of blue, was a reflection of her calm and thoughtful nature, reminiscent of a clear sky on a perfect spring day.

Kathy's life was a beacon of joy and generosity. She touched the lives of countless individuals with her infectious smile and unwavering support. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her loving husband, Ted, her son, Ted, and the many individuals whose lives she touched.

As we say goodbye to Kathy, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life that exemplified compassion, entrepreneurship, and community service. She was a beacon of light in the lives of those she encountered, and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift. While Kathy may no longer walk among us, her spirit will forever bloom in the gardens she tended, in the laughter of those she loved, and in the hearts of the community she so selflessly served.

Kathy's life reminds us all to cherish the connections we make, to serve with our whole hearts, and to approach each day with the same love and enthusiasm she exemplified. Her journey on this earth was a testament to the power of living fully, loving deeply, and leaving an indelible mark on the world. Though we mourn her loss, we take solace in knowing that Kathy Norde's legacy will continue to reverberate through the lives of those she touched for generations to come.

.     A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Kathy  will be held privately in the future.  The family suggests memorial contributions may be made o the Phoenicia Food Pantry.  You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Kathy's Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Katherine Norde, please visit our floral store.