Obituary of Kathleen M. Jerge

Kathleen McLaughlin Jerge, age 74, of Greentown, PA, and New York City, died peacefully in the arms of her devoted husband Lou, the joy of her life, on December 7, 2021, following a sudden, brief illness. Also beside her were her beloved in-laws, Debbie and Jim Dougher. Born October 1, 1947, to her late parents, Charlie and Claire (nee' Cawley) McLaughlin. Adored sister of Susan (Michael Senneca), Michael (Sissy Starr), Jeanne (the late David Thomas), Mary (Carl Zanetti), Charlene (Barry Eisenkraft), John (Debby) and Elaine (Lawrence Halliday). Also surviving are dear brothers- and sisters-in-law Terry (Louise/Weezie), Ned (Dee), Debbie (Jim Dougher) as well as 18 loving nieces and nephews and 18 great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her nephew Tommy Fagan. A doting, faithful godmother to many, Kathy embraced the service entrusted to her and continually inspired her godchildren to deepen their relationships with God. Children treasured how Kathy honored and guarded their inherent grace and dignity. She shepherded everyone, showing responsiveness and sensitivity to their aspirations and sufferings, genuine joy in their triumphs, and steadfast commitment to fostering the good in others. At age 17, Kathy went to work as Executive Secretary for A.L. Stamm. Kathy attended Fordham University, Lincoln Center, NY. Her indomitable will and talents led her to pursue a career in finance, becoming a stockbroker at Baker Weeks cum Reynolds Securities. In 1980, Kathy became owner and president of Van Bergen & Co. before moving on to become Managing Director of Victory Spears, Benzak, Salomon & Farrell, Inc. Capital Management's trading desk. Kathy's retirement was as full as her career. She served Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace and St. Veronica RC Church as a Eucharistic Minister and as a Bereavement Minister. Additionally, she was a member of Paupack Hills Country Club and Tafton Fire Co. Auxiliary and enjoyed golf, pickleball, TaiChi, and bridge. Kathy's sweetness, feistiness, and love indelibly mark our hearts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 1317 Eggert Road, Buffalo, NY 14226 on Friday, 8 July 2022 at 9:00 a.m. The interment will follow immediately at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 800 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14215. Commemoration of Kathy’s life will continue at a luncheon, date and place tbd. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Kathy's memory to Ronald McDonald House, 3925 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave, Scranton, PA 18503.