Kathleen A. Baragiola, known to her friends and family as Kathy passed away with family by her side on June 26, 2023, at the age of 81. She was proceeded in death by her beloved William (Bill) Baragiola.
She is survived by her four children: James (Laura),William (Jeanette) Sara Povich (Matt), and Martin (Carey). She adored her 16 grandchildren: Dustin, David, Kaylee, William, Megan, Blake, Nicolas, Joseph, Anthony, Samuel, Gabriella, Matthew, Thomas, Lillianna, Daniel, and Austin. She was in awe of God’s grace in sending 18 beautiful great-grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her parents Martin and Eleanor Walsh and her mother and father-in-law, Margaret and John Baragiola. She is our dear sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, and she will be missed by all who knew her.
Kathy graduated from Mercy High School in 1960 and married James David Jeffress (Dave) in 1961. They had one son, James David Jeffress (Jim) in 1965. Dave passed away in 1966.
Kathy was blessed to meet Bill Baragiola, her “blue-eyed Marine,“ and marry him in 1968. They were together for 49 years until Bill passed away in 2017. Bill adopted Jim and together Kathy and Bill had three children. They provided a loving home and raised four wonderful human beings who brought much joy to their lives.
Kathy was devoted to her family. She made family gatherings a focus of their lives and enjoyed hosting extended family and friends for holidays and celebrations throughout her life. She always provided delicious food and gracious surroundings—making all feel welcome.
While raising her family, she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and worked with her husband in his CPA office.
She loved to quilt and crochet, producing countless blankets and quilts for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She also enjoyed gardening—growing beautiful flowers and luscious vegetables in the summer. She was an avid reader. She had a BIG, sweet tooth and was often known to eat dessert first. She made cookies, candies, and pies for the holidays and other celebrations. She also enjoyed a good cheeseburger and shake.
She was a woman of faith who was active in her church. She served as a lay minister at Seven Holy Founders Church . She led a group that made prayer shawls for people who were critically ill, worked with fellow parishioners to offer ACTS retreats, and served in many other volunteer roles.
Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois, Saturday July 8, 9:45 AM to Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church for 10:00 AM mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Friday July 7, 4:00-8:00 PM.
Sincere condolences to the family. Having known Kathy from SHF and ACTS, she was such a sweet and gentle woman, always greeted you with a smile, a hug and a kind word. Heaven has welcomed a perfect angel, what a blessing that is.
Kathy and I have a very special “ACTS” memory that only she and I share. It was so special to be on all of the ACTS Teams with her for many years. What a wonderful Child of God, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all of us. Thank you, Lord, for welcoming her!
My sympathy to all of her family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Kathy late as we lived in the same subdivision and attended her last ACTS retreat together. We shared the love for the Packers and the fact that our husbands were Marines. May the memories you all share give you peace and comfort.
Kathy this is Tom &Vivian we missed you we pray to God take you and bring you go up to heaven pray for us and we alway keep you in our heart
So sorry to Kathy’s family – my prayers are with you all – she was a nice and friendly person, and I am happy to have known her. I was lucky to have had her son Marty in cub scouts at Seven Holy Founders.
Kathy and I have been best friends since the 7th grade. We have spent many happy and sad occasions together. We raised our kids together and had much fun.We talked frequently and shared each others happiness. I will sincerely miss her. My thoughts right now are with her family for I know she is with Bill. I love you Kath.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.