Kathryn Stassi West

Kathryn Stassi West almost made it to the century mark, passing away on August 16, 2026, just a few months before her 100th birthday.

Katie, Kathryn, or Kay, depending on how you knew her, was born to Nicola and Sarah Stassi and lived her entire life in Madison, WI. Her parents immigrated from Piana d’Egli Albanese in Sicily and spoke a native Albanian dialect, Arebersh. Katie and her brothers were fluent in Arebresh. (We always thought it was called “Turbresh” but then discovered the correct spelling.) When Katie got together with her three brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins we could hear laughter galore while not understanding a word they were saying.

She married Wesley in 1959 after her brother introduced the two of them. She and Wesley were long-time members of Blackhawk Country Club, enjoying golf games (she scored two holes-in-one!) tournaments, events, and numerous celebrations.

Born and raised Catholic, she and Wesley joined the Episcopal church when their girls were young. Katie was actively involved in St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, often hosting coffee hours, making food for families in any sort of need, and volunteering whenever the opportunity arose.

Katie worked as a freelance court reporter, writing in shorthand, which led to frustration for her two daughters because they could never read her Christmas lists.

She was the consummate caretaker, caring for her parents and aunts who never learned to drive! A lifelong member of the Italian American Women’s Club in Madison, she was honored to be named “Woman of the Year” in 2016.

She loved hosting gatherings for her large, Italian/Sicilian/Albanian extended family. Usually, one of her brothers would notice that Wesley had fallen asleep at the table despite the boisterous conversations and say, “I guess it’s time to wrap it up.” And then the goodbyes would take at least another hour.

After Wesley retired, he yearned to move to Florida for golfing weather and lower taxes but Katie was insistent upon not giving up residence in Madison. Hence their yearly visits to their condo in Spring Hill, FL where they could golf to their hearts’ content, spending months there every year after the girls were in college. Her younger brother Joey and his family lived nearby so they talked and visited often, usually speaking in Arebersh!

Katie’s bread baking skills are legendary; making 6 loaves and dozens of rolls at a time was par for the course. (See the golf reference there?) When she was making eggplant or “cardune” we were all jostling for the crispy pieces. And the Italian cookies showed up at every wedding.

And she could craft! Knitting, crocheting, and making almost anything out of plastic canvas kept her hands busy. Many a family Christmas tree is adorned with ornaments she created, usually tucking cash into them.

She volunteered at the Agrace Thrift Shop for years, taking great pride in artfully and carefully arranging the jewelry displays. Katie developed close friendships with fellow volunteers and recounted hilarious stories of their working together.

She had the world’s greatest smile and beautiful laugh. And when she became “Nona,” her love spilled over to the next generation.

Katie is survived by her brother Joey, married to Buffy, daughters Sarah Kerkman Dwyer, married to Mike, and Karen Sweeney, married to Mark, Chuck West, married to Sue, and Mary.

Her grandchildren survive her: Nicholas Wesley Kerkman, married to Shauna, Kathryn Sarah Kerkman, partner of MJ, Clarke Joyce Kerkman, Christine Kerkman Boggs, married to Beau, Grace Stassi Sweeney, Camille Louise West, Christine Elizabeth West, and Connie Sue West.

Three great-grandchildren survive her: Wesley Manion Kerkman, Gregory Manion Kerkman and Luke West Langland. Devoted niece Janette Greenheck and her husband Jeff provided much love and comfort throughout the years.

Umpteen nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive her. According to one great-niece, “She was everyone’s Aunt Katie.”

Her beloved Wesley, brothers Rosario and Saverio and great-grandson await her in heaven.

Services are Friday, September 4 at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 6205 University Ave in Madison. Visitation begins at 9:30, service at 11, luncheon to follow. Burial at Sunset Memory Gardens, 7302 Mineral Point Rd.

Please do not send flowers. Katie would be annoyed at the money spent on something that’s just going to die. In honor of Katie, share a smile, a hug or warm loaf of bread with someone you love or even just met.

Memorials may be made to the Italian American Women’s Club and mailed to: Italian American Women’s Club, C/O Italian Workmen’s Club, 914 Regent Street, Madison WI 53715.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434