Kathleen (“Kathy”) G. Cosgriff, a beloved Daughter, Wife, Sister, Mother, Grandmother and adored teacher died August 7, 2026. “Kate”, to her siblings, was born in the Bronx on a winter day in 1938 to her parents, Kathleen and Patrick - a birthday gift to her mom. 

Strong in her belief in living a life of service to God, to Family, and to Community, Kathy did so very fully. She lived her faith, and she worked with the Church to make the practice of faith relatable to more of the congregation. As part of a St. Teresa Church leadership group, she led the way to an enhanced religious experience by introducing programs that integrated women’s and children’s participation, such as the Eucharistic Minister program, a children’s choir, additional candlelight and music programs. Kathy was also an active member of a group of mentors who were available to help counsel and console young adults who were struggling with diverse issues. 

Kathy’s civic life was also very full, gaining and building her dearest friendships while serving her community on the Board of Finance, on political campaigns, and on the Board of Education. Seeing a need in the community for early education, Kathy started The Early Learning Center of Woodbury (ELC) with the ever-present support of her husband, Charles “Chuck” Cosgriff, and her mom, Kathleen, and with the encouragement of her beloved friends. Kathy operated ELC in her little schoolhouse in the barn from September 1972 to Spring 2020, teaching three generations of students whom she enjoyed and loved dearly. A huge delight for her was seeing her students through the years, peering at and waving to her in church or, even better, running up and giving her a huge hug in the grocery store.

 A graduate of Good Counsel College (now Pace University), Kathy met the love of her life, her rock, and her sidekick in adventures, Chuck, on the journey toward getting their Master's of Science and Education from Western Connecticut State College. Kathy and Chuck very proudly raised a family, Kathleen (Cannon), Chuck (Joey), Eileen, and Pat (Tricia), who begot an even better generation. Grandma was so profoundly proud of each of her grandkids: James, Michaela, Ryan, Alexander, Charlie, and Elena. That they could attend her school or “help teach” for even a day gave Grandma pure joy. Cousin-time spent at Grandma’s in the summer was pure joy for the grandkids. 

Her family was her center, as much as she was the center of her family. Coming home to “Mom’s” was always an event celebrated by her gathering as many family members as possible for a long leisurely dinner, where everyone felt loved. Participation in the prep, serving, and cleanup was where the action was, where the best stories were shared, and where family bonds were strengthened. This tradition began in Kathy’s childhood home with the love of her parents and her siblings Winnie (Kevin), Eileen (Dave), Pat “Bub” (Ginny), Mary (Eddie), Kevin (Pam), and John (Robin). This strong family unit also knit each generation into the fabric of the universe of The Yankees. Each family member watched every game, often together online or by phone, sharing opinions and debating their expert baseball commentary. 

A witty woman with deep Irish sensibilities and delivery style, fond memories of Kathy will always include quips for every occasion deserving a change in perspective, Irish knit sweaters, her Irish Soda Bread served warm with her raspberry jam, John Denver music, Mom bursting into spontaneous song, the image of her popping up 6 feet over the horizon in her gorgeous garden because she saw a snake, Mom in the kitchen making everything delicious, and Mom and Dad returning from their annual beach vacation, holding hands, swinging their arms, wearing shorts down the gangplank in the middle of a blizzard. She will be missed. 

“Onward and forward!” Thank you for everything, Mom. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 at St. Teresa Church, 146 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 at St Teresa Church, 146 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798. Entombment will follow at New North Cemetery. There will be a procession from the church. 

In lieu of flowers, Kathy would have appreciated donations to one of her charities of choice: 

St. Jude Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html 

The Woodbury, CT Scholarship Fund https://woodbury.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php? section=chapterWebsite&action=main&fwID=1890