Kathleen L. Morgan

Kathleen Lucia (Paternostro) Morgan, 40, of Orangeville, PA, formerly of Picture Rocks, PA, died peacefully in her home on July 2, 2012 surrounded by her loving family following a courageous 12-month battle with cancer.

Kathleen was born in Hornell, NY on May 4, 1972 and is the daughter of Thomas A. and Marthalie (Ryan) Paternostro of Unityville, PA.  She married Jeremy Joseph Morgan, son of Joseph and Judy Morgan of Shickshinny, in 2003 and they would have celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary this September.

Kathleen graduated from Hughesville High School in 1990, where she was a standout basketball player and played in the number one singles position on the girl’s tennis team.  During her senior year, she was a state qualifier in tennis and was a starting member of the District IV championship girl’s basketball team.

An avid gardener and nature lover, Kathleen found genuine happiness in the outdoors.  She loved to travel with her husband and among her favorite trips were those they took to Hawaii; Paris, France; and Venice, Italy.  Growing up, she enjoyed spending summer vacations in Maine with her family.  She had lived in both New Orleans, LA and Harrisburg, PA before relocating to Orangeville in 2010.

Kathleen loved music and sports and was a talented watercolor artist.  She was also an accomplished runner and had completed the Harrisburg Half Marathon in 2003 and the United States Marine Corps Marathon in 2005.

She graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in 1992, where she received an associate’s degree in Food & Hospitality Management.  During her final year of school, Kathleen completed a semester internship at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.  That same year, she was selected to be part of a team responsible for catering an on-site event during the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, KY.  She spent her career working in various positions within the food and hospitality industry, including positions as a restaurant manager, classroom instructor, and banquet & catering manager.  Most recently, she was an event coordinator at the Henry Hood Center for Health Research at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA.

Although she was very proud of her professional accomplishments, she was most proud to be a mother to her 4-year old daughter, Josephine Florence Morgan.  During their short time together, Kathleen taught Josie about the most meaningful parts of life including the beauty of flowers, the love of family, and the simplicity of singing songs together during their rides to and from pre-school, a special part of their day that they both enjoyed.

She is survived by her husband and daughter; her parents; and three siblings; Thomas C. (Lucy) Paternostro of Muncy, Timothy R. (Mary Cay) Paternostro of Bloomsburg, and Krista L. Paternostro of Williamsport.  Kathleen also had three nieces – Kathryn Paternostro, Abigail Paternostro, and Maria Paternostro, and two nephews – Nicholas Paternostro and Jack Paternostro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 800 Mulberry Street, Montoursville, with the Reverend John Manno officiating, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2012.  Visitation will be held at the Crouse Funeral Home, 133 East Third Street, on Friday, July 6, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Burial will be at the Resurrection Cemetery, Montoursville.

The requests that memorial contributions may be made in Kathleen’s honor to LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (www.livestrong.org/tribute), and/or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate/MemorialGiving/memorial-giving) – two charities that Kathleen supported and believed in.

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