Kathleen Rich

Kathleen "Kathy" Rich passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, surrounded by her children, and her dedicated pup Bella. She was 82 years old. Born December 13, 1943, to George and Irene Fitzgerald in Columbus, Ohio, Kathy was the oldest of four children and a loving presence to her siblings Patrick, Michele (“Mickey”), and Casey.

Kathy was ready for adventure after growing up in Springfield, Ohio, and three years of college at Miami of Ohio. Kathy chose to transfer to the University of Florida for her senior year and jumped right in as a Gator. While finishing her education degree, she also found plenty of time for fun, including the football games. A football date with Larry turned into a lifetime of love. They were married in 1965, and the foundation was set for a beautiful family.

Upon graduation, Kathy became a first-grade teacher. She loved helping with children and supporting them on their journey to read. Kathy’s teaching career didn’t last long, as she became a Mom and embraced this role with incredible patience, joy and energy. Kathy was a phenomenal Mom to Scott, Sean, and Stephanie. She was always involved and led neighborhood, school, church, and friend gatherings. Kathy was the homeroom Mom, the welcome wagon, and the trusted adult to all the other kids who were welcomed to the warmth of our home.

Kathy stayed active throughout her adult life volunteering with different nonprofit organizations, where her empathy and kindness really shone. Some examples include supporting pregnant teenage moms to continue their education and strive toward their life goals; teaching middle-aged adults to read for the first time; and gathering school supplies for migrant children in need. Kathy also had many hobbies, such as bridge, tennis, golf, Bible study, book club, dinner club, exercise class, and gardening, which all led to beautiful friendships and lifelong connections.

Family was always the core of everything for Kathy. Every holiday was spent with family from all over Florida, often meeting at Kathy’s parents’ home in Marco Island. As Kathy and Larry’s family grew with their children's marriages and eventually the addition of eight grandchildren, Kathy’s life was at its fullest. Kathy was a loving and engaged Grandma, always up for a game, book, or adventure with any or all of her grandkids. She was a natural caregiver who knew how to soothe and comfort her loved ones.

Splitting their time between their dream home in the mountains of North Carolina and their homestead in Bonita Springs, Kathy was surrounded by people who adored her. To know Kathy was to love her. Kathy’s nature was rooted in nurturing and uplifting others. Kathy’s kindness and genuine interest in others was evident every day of her life. Her warm smile and gentle approach always made people feel comfortable, valued and heard. Whether it was an Uber driver, the person next to her on a train, a new neighbor, or a nurse or doctor, Kathy made an impact on them. Everyone she met with her walked away saying she was something special after experiencing her warmth, kindness, and compassion.

Kathy was stronger than anyone ever expected. While Larry suffered with the symptoms of Alzheimer's, Kathy was a patient, prepared, and loving caregiver. He passed in March 2023, after 57 years of marriage. In the years that followed, Kathy faced non-stop medical issues, despite taking excellent care of her health, yet she never complained. In fact, it was the opposite; in classic Kathy fashion, she often apologized for being a boring host or guest. Sadly, she was too exhausted to be the generous hostess she had been throughout her life. Her selflessness was still evident. She couldn’t help but check in on the comfort of each visiting hospice nurse or ask how she could help when we were expecting company.

She always kept a positive outlook and was grateful for her health for her first 80 years. Even in her dying days, she shocked us with her mental and physical strength. We had to remind her that we could raise the head of her bed so she didn't have to muscle her way to a seated position. We were honored to care for her in her final months; she stayed gracious and grateful throughout. She is an incredible model of how to live a full life until it’s no longer possible.

We were blessed to be by her side for her last days, when she had wonderful visits from all of her family and grandkids. Kathy was so proud of each of her grandchildren, loving them for their unique strengths and personalities. She will be dearly missed by all, but she will always be with us in our hearts and memories.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Irene Fitzgerald; her husband of 57 years, Lawrence "Larry" Rich; her brother, Patrick Fitzgerald; and her brother-in-law Steve Kunk.

She is survived by her sister, Michele "Mickey" Kunk; her brother and sister-in-law, Casey and Pam Fitzgerald; her children, Scott and Monica Rich, Sean and Lori Rich, and Stephanie and Damon Wright; and her eight grandchildren, Connor, Patrick (fiancée Alexandra), Trevor, Kelsey (fiancée Bekah), Dylan, Mackenzie, Claire, and Owen.

There will not be a public celebration of life. An intimate family gathering will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Kathy:

Goodwin Hospice provides comfort, dignity, and support for patients and their families. They provided amazing support for Mom and our family over the last several months.

Together We Bake is an incredible organization that has touched thousands of lives over the years. Through workforce training, community, and access to quality jobs, your support helps women thrive — today and for the long term. Kathy’s daughter, Stephanie, co-founded Together We Bake in 2012.

Shared photo album linked here.