Obituary for Kathleen Lea Guzzo
Kathleen Lea Swift Guzzo, 67, of Mullica Hill, NJ, passed away on March 11, 2024, at home surrounded by her children, after a sudden decline in her health. She was born June 8, 1956, and spent her formative years in Gibbstown and Clarksboro, NJ.
Kathleen is survived by her children, son Frank Guzzo and his wife Brooke and their son Lorenzo, son Matthew Guzzo, and daughter Katie Friedrich and her husband, Eddie. Kathleen is also survived by members of her large, blended family including Chic Simmler (Dave), Monica Volovnik (Gary), Chris Swift, Rosemary Lee (Kim), Regina Gotchel (Mark), Kathy Martin (Joe), Bernadette Contreres (Phil), Beth Donofrio, Jean Walko (Steve), Mollie Hutchinson (Chris), and Laurie Harbeson, as well as many nieces and nephews. Kathleen was predeceased by her brother, Michael Swift, her father, Edward Swift, mother Mary Hess Swift, and stepmother, Betty Sammons Donofrio Swift.
Kathleen graduated from Kingsway Regional High School in 1974 and Glassboro State University in 1979. Her career consisted of various administrative and managerial positions. Kathleen spent many happy hours volunteering in the community. She particularly enjoyed the time spent at the St. Margaret Elementary School library when her children were young, as well as her most recent involvement with the Bereavement Group and volunteer work at Angelic Health Palliative & Hospice Care in Wenonah.
Kathleen learned to read at an early age and continued to be a voracious reader and a life-long learner. An excellent cook, she poured her heart into preparing meals for her family. The companionship and antics of her dog Cody and cat Goop provided much joy as well as fodder for her inherited ability to spin a good Irish yarn. We remember Kathleen's care for life: cultivating flowers in the soil of her garden beds, portraying beauty with brushes and paint, and loving her three children ceaselessly. Her lifestyle was infused with equal parts strength and humor as she embraced joys and struggles with steadiness and a ready quip. Kathleen cared deeply for the people around her. Her heart overflowed with generosity, and she left a lasting impact on the lives of many friends and family who loved her dearly.
Family & friends may visit from 9:30 am to 10:45 am on Friday, March 22nd, at Church of the Incarnation, 240 Main Street, Mantua, NJ where a Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am. Following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at The Telford Inn. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to Angelic Health Palliative & Hospice Care, Wenonah, NJ, JDRF Diabetes Foundation, or the Gloucester County Animal Shelter.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
Kathleen is survived by her children, son Frank Guzzo and his wife Brooke and their son Lorenzo, son Matthew Guzzo, and daughter Katie Friedrich and her husband, Eddie. Kathleen is also survived by members of her large, blended family including Chic Simmler (Dave), Monica Volovnik (Gary), Chris Swift, Rosemary Lee (Kim), Regina Gotchel (Mark), Kathy Martin (Joe), Bernadette Contreres (Phil), Beth Donofrio, Jean Walko (Steve), Mollie Hutchinson (Chris), and Laurie Harbeson, as well as many nieces and nephews. Kathleen was predeceased by her brother, Michael Swift, her father, Edward Swift, mother Mary Hess Swift, and stepmother, Betty Sammons Donofrio Swift.
Kathleen graduated from Kingsway Regional High School in 1974 and Glassboro State University in 1979. Her career consisted of various administrative and managerial positions. Kathleen spent many happy hours volunteering in the community. She particularly enjoyed the time spent at the St. Margaret Elementary School library when her children were young, as well as her most recent involvement with the Bereavement Group and volunteer work at Angelic Health Palliative & Hospice Care in Wenonah.
Kathleen learned to read at an early age and continued to be a voracious reader and a life-long learner. An excellent cook, she poured her heart into preparing meals for her family. The companionship and antics of her dog Cody and cat Goop provided much joy as well as fodder for her inherited ability to spin a good Irish yarn. We remember Kathleen's care for life: cultivating flowers in the soil of her garden beds, portraying beauty with brushes and paint, and loving her three children ceaselessly. Her lifestyle was infused with equal parts strength and humor as she embraced joys and struggles with steadiness and a ready quip. Kathleen cared deeply for the people around her. Her heart overflowed with generosity, and she left a lasting impact on the lives of many friends and family who loved her dearly.
Family & friends may visit from 9:30 am to 10:45 am on Friday, March 22nd, at Church of the Incarnation, 240 Main Street, Mantua, NJ where a Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am. Following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at The Telford Inn. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to Angelic Health Palliative & Hospice Care, Wenonah, NJ, JDRF Diabetes Foundation, or the Gloucester County Animal Shelter.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.