Katherine Kearney Zaveruha

Katherine Kearney Zaveruha, 88, of Stratford, Conn., passed away Feb. 21, 2008, at her home. Katherine was the loving wife of the late Alexander Zaveruha and the beloved mother of the late Daniel Zaveruha and the late Brian Zaveruha and his wife, Joanne. Katherine was the most loving and supportive mother. She had a gift for friendship, love and photography.

Katherine made everyone she came in contact with feel special. She was the central character in her fun-loving group of friends, “The Peacock Goddesses.” She founded the “Hippies” support group for hip replacement patients. Katherine was schooled at St. Patrick School and Central High School in Bridgeport. She was an original parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Church in Stratford and continued to attend Bible study classes there. Katherine had volunteered at Bridgeport Hospital for many years. She tutored the students at Chapel Street School in her specialty, the proper use of the English language, earning her the Stratford “Friends of Education” award in 1997. Katherine was also honored with the Stratford “Outstanding Volunteer” award in 1982.

She is survived by her loving children, Dr. Paul Zaveruha and his wife, Susan, of Whidbey Island, Roberta Miller and her husband, Tom and Ann Zaveruha and her husband, Jeff Stebbins; and two devoted daughters-in-law, Debbie Zaveruha and Rikeysue Zaveruha. She loved all of her 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with all of her heart. She was predeceased by her brother, John Kearney and his wife, Sheila and survived by her sister, Bernice Arbegast and her husband, Bill, who were her best friends. She had many devoted nieces and nephews. She was blessed with many great friends and neighbors who cared for her very lovingly in her last years, especially the Johnsons.

Funeral services took place Feb. 25 at Our Lady of Grace Church, concelebrated by her cherished friend, Rev. Joseph Prince. Interment was private. The Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford, Conn., was entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make contributions in her memory to “Friends of Boothe Park” 5774 Main St., Stratford, CT 06614.