Reading, Vermont - Often, unsung heroes aren't truly recognized until they are no longer with us. This will be the case with the passing of Katherine "Kathy" Kloszewski, or "Mrs. Who" as she was known by many of her students and friends. Kathy died peacefully early Wednesday morning, December 6, 2023, at her home in Reading, VT under the loving care of her twin sister, Karen, and her brother-in-law, and adopted "darling" Jules "John" St. Arnaud.

Kathy left this world on her own terms after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer, but not before she had given Karen specific instructions about what was to happen following her death. She will be cremated and buried beside her beloved horses in the back pasture of her home without any fanfare or elaborate services, like Kathy herself, unassuming, simple, and humble.

She was born July 27, 1948, in West Haven, CT, one hour and ten minutes before her twin sister, Karen, to Theodore and Jeanne, (LaVorgne) Mayer. Her family lived in Connecticut where her father owned a horse stable. She grew up around horses and quickly learned how to love and care for the animals. As a child, her father opened the riding stable to the public to come and visit his well-trained horses. Both Kathy and Karen took part in their daily care and had special roles during the annual Christmas Season, meet-and-greet held at the riding stable. After graduating from high school and attending college, she worked for a time as a commercial artist and proofreader. Two areas where she excelled and held a natural talent. She was married for a short time and later divorced. In 1989, she married Gene Kloszewski and in 1992, they moved north and bought Bud Alexander's home on Route 106 in Reading, VT. The new property allowed her to have horses of her own and both she and Gene rode regularly. Their new home also gave great opportunities to practice some of her other favorite pastimes, including vegetable and flower gardening. She began her long and successful career as a special education paraprofessional at the State Street School and the Windsor High School. Kathy did not have children of her own, but for many of her students she served as their adopted mom. Behind the scenes, Kathy often looked out for their "out of school" needs. Her generosity was pretty much limitless.

Windsor was blessed to have her serve their school community for over twenty years. She retired in 2020. But her retirement did not mean she would be sitting around. Kathy used her love and talent for art to create beautiful works of art and crafts. She sold many of her creations at area craft fairs and local arts and craft shows. Her works were treasured by folks from New York and throughout New England. As each holiday season approached, Kathy would spend hours upon hours making her locally famous cookies, which she would share with her countless friends and acquaintances. At the Post office, at school, for all her co-workers, for horse connected friends, all the neighbors and of course her family. Some holidays she made well over two hundred dozen cookies.

At Kathy's request, her twin sister, Karen and her husband, John, moved to Reading to live with Kathy and Gene. Kathy and Karen were more than just sisters, they were best friends, and when Gene died in 2013, Kathy, Karen and John became the "three musketeers". They worked and lived together as one team, sharing the responsibilities of caring for the property and each other. Their bond with each other grew even stronger and closer and when Kathy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it was Karen and John that made sure Kathy received the love and care that she absolutely deserved. All the generosity and love Kathy had shared with her students, friends, and family, all came back to her through Karen and John. When the end of her life was near, they made sure Kathy was home, in her own bed, where she wanted to be.

Kathy will be remembered for many things, her cookies, her beautiful handmade crafts and paintings, love of horses, her kind and caring way with her students, and the bonds of love she shared with her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Gene, and her brother, Theodore Mayer, Jr.

Kathy is survived by her sister, Karen St. Arnaud, brother-in-law, Jules "John" St. Arnaud, her niece, Kimberly Law and her husband, Justin of Chiefland, FL, nephew, Daniell Fines and his wife Keri of Plainfield, CT, grandnieces and nephews, Morgan (Caleb), Skylar (Pat), and Savana (Willie), Daniell, Jr., and great grandniece and nephew, Arlo, Maeve, and Island. She will also be missed by her beloved cat, Jasmine and her dog, Tally and Karen and John's dogs, Tai Chi, and Moxie.

At her request there will be no services following her cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, PO Box 702, Brownsville, VT 05037