Obituary: Kathleen “Kathy” A. (Piza) Vick

Kathleen “Kathy” A. (Piza) Vick
June 1, 1953 - July 2, 2012

After a long bout with cancer, Kathy, age 59, passed away peacefully at AngelsGrace Hospice on July 2, 2012.  She will be missed by many dear family members and close friends. 

Kathy enjoyed bowling, golf and her fun trips to Las Vegas with her friends and family.  Kathy always described herself as “bad luck” at gambling, but always shared with others when she won.

Kathy is survived by her immediate family, Joseph Vick and Stacy (Matt) Wirth, her father, Stan Piza, her cousins:  Mary (the late Craig) Bear, Jill Collins, and Walter J. Wachowitz III, nieces and nephews: Betsy (Tim Hoff) Bear; Kristin Bear, Craig (Heather) Bear; Noah (Jenny) Collins, Matt (Gina Maniaci) Collins and Great-Niece Jaryn Bear, dear friends Dr. Michael and Kay Cullen and her special “daughter” Kara Rosenberg as well as many other close family members and dear friends. 

Preceded in death by grandparents Walter J. and Angeline Wachowitz, Sr., her mother June “Tu-Tu” (Wachowitz) Piza, aunt and uncle Walter J. and Elsie Wachowitz, Jr., her cousin Craig Bear, and nephew John W. Collins. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to special friends and organizations: caregiver Elizabeth Scott, the staff at Waukesha Center for Breast Cancer, and the staff at AngelsGrace Hospice. 

A Daughters Letter:

6/28/12

Dear Mom,

I am very luck and fortunate to have had you both as my mother and as my best friend.  I will always remember how we would meet daily for our coffee talks; go shopping, trips to Vegas and golfing.  Most recently I am so glad that you were able to see your grandson (Adam Joseph Wirth) at the ultrasound and that you made it to my wedding.  Those are two wonderful memories that will touch my heart every time I think of you. 

You were always the one person I could talk to about anything and everything and never judge.  Your advice was always kind and that of a friend and mother who only wanted the best for me.  You allowed to make mistakes and even helped me when they were too big to clean up alone.  You’ve taught me so much including what unconditional love is.  I can only hope that one day my children know just how much I love them as you loved me. 

I have never known another person as strong as you.  You’ve shown me that no matter what life throws at you to keep moving forward and life is always worth living even through the bad times.  Over the past nine months your strength and will to live proves that the statistics and odds can be beaten.  You were dealt such a crummy hand, but somehow you remained positive and continued to prove the doctors and everyone else wrong.  I am truly sorry that the outcome isn’t what we wanted or hoped for, and yet, I’m so proud of you for giving it your all.  Again, your strength and courage has amazed me.   I can only hope that I will have the same strength as you someday. 

I don’t know how to say goodbye or tell you just how much I love you.  I don’t think there are words that would do my feelings justice.  Please know that you are forever in my heart and soul.  I will carry you with me through good times and bad.  You will always be a part of my life. 

I love you Mom!
Kid.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Elmbrook Humane Animal Welfare Society, The Salvation Army and The Milwaukee Rescue Mission. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 6, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha.

 For further information, please call at 262-547-4035, or go to http://www.waukeshafunerals.comfor directions or to leave an online tribute.