Kathleen J. Platsky

We invite all those who were touched by Kathy’s generous spirit to join us in celebrating her extraordinary life at The Colony Woodstock on Tuesday, June 17, from 4–9 p.m. Kathy gave so much to the town she called home, and we look forward to honoring her with a gathering full of stories, music, dancing, and love

—the way she would have wanted.

Woodstock-

Kathleen J. Platsky, affectionately known as Kathy to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, at her home in Woodstock. Born on April 23, 1954, in Burlington, Vermont, Kathy lived a vibrant and full life, touching the hearts and lives of those around her with her warmth and compassion.

Kathy's journey through life was as colorful and diverse as her personality. She married Michael Platsky, on Valentine's Day in 1989, and together they built a family based on love, laughter, and mutual respect. She was a devoted mother to Allison (Dan) Romano, Laurence Mangum, and Jerry Reubens, of Woodstock. Her role as a grandmother to Lily and Mazie brought her immeasurable joy, and her nurturing spirit will live on in them.

As the oldest in her family, Kathy naturally took on the role of caregiver.

Her siblings, Ronald, Steven, Judy and David Miller and June Melbye often looked to her for maternal guidance, finding in her a nurturing presence that offered wisdom, comfort, and unwavering support throughout their lives. Though she was predeceased by her brother Kevin and sister Judy, her memory will continue to be a binding force for her family, including her many nieces and nephews who lovingly refer to her as crazy Aunt Kathy.
 

Kathy traveled through life on a dime, a wish, and a prayer, her early years being marked by her adventurous spirit. Kathy ran away to Greenwich Village as a young teenager. She worked in various coffee shops and nightclubs; she could even be found poker dealing in Doc Pomus’s Manhattan apartment. Her adventures took her to Woodstock ’69 as 15 year old, which she often referred to as a miserable experience. It is during this stage of her life that she met her first husband, Jack Reubens and became a mother to her first son, Jerry.

She eventually moved to Park Slope Brooklyn where she made a living as a waitress, housecleaner, and house painter. It is here that she met her second husband, Larry (Lawrence) and had her second son, Larry (Laurence). The addition of a new son brought with it a family that would last a lifetime, her soul sister Monica. Kathy and Monica would continue to travel through and celebrate life together. Monica’s children Rebecca, Sarah, and Tom were extended siblings to Kathy’s children as they wove their lives together. During her Park Slope era of odd jobs and house painting she found a lifelong friend in John Cunningham, a loyal and inspiring friend whom she could always count on.

In the mid-late 80s she met and later fell in love with her forever husband, Michael Platsky. While raising their daughter Allison in Brooklyn, Kathy began to long for a life beyond the bustle of NYC. In the summer of 1996 she registered Allison for school at Woodstock Elementary marking the beginning of her Woodstock chapter.

While Kathy took the first steps in the move to Woodstock, it did not take long for the rest of the family to follow suite and in time Kathy, Mike, Ally, Larry and Jerry all called Woodstock home. Woodstock gave Kathy a new community, new friends, and new family alike. As Ally grew up, her friends all considered Kathy a second mom. This was especially true for Krista whom Kathy loved and adored as her other daughter.

In Woodstock she found her calling as a self-employed home health care provider, specializing in end-of-life care. Kathy's 30 years as an area resident of Woodstock were defined by her dedication to her community. She devoted 15 years to the Woodstock Rescue Squad Co. #5, serving as president for two terms and working as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Beyond her work, Kathy was known for her creative soul and her advocacy for a simple way of life, embodying the integrity of the Woodstock community.  Her love for the outdoors was evident and she always found peace in nature. Music was an integral part of Kathy’s spirit as she danced her way through life.

As a compassionate caregiver, Kathy believed that family was paramount, and she always prioritized her loved ones above all else. Her legacy is one of passion, creativity, and a heartfelt commitment to those she cared for.

To quote the great poet Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Kathy made everyone around her feel loved, valued, and truly seen. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the importance of community.

Kathy's presence will be profoundly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be remembered by all as a source of endless support and beacon of strength.

A Celebration of Kathy's Life will be announced in the near future. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodstock Rescue Squad. 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 Kathleen J. Platsky, please visit our floral store.