Obituary of Kathleen Satalin

Kathleen Satalin, of Onondaga, passed away Thursday morning at Crouse Hospital with family by her side. Kathleen was predeceased by her loving parents, Nicholas and Mary Elenz, Patricia Elenz-Martin (sister), and Thomas McCall (brother-in-law). Kathleen is survived by the love of her life and husband of 54 years, Jim, daughter, Erin (Chris) Ryan, son, Ryan (Sarah) Satalin, daughter, Maura (Tim) Budzar, and son, Patrick (Kelly Woodward) Satalin . She leaves behind 3 sisters, Maureen McCall, Diane O’Dea (John), Tracie Persinger (Todd), and brother, James Elenz (Kathy), many in-laws, and dozens of nieces and nephews. Her treasures were her grandchildren: Maeve (21), Aidan (19), Molly (15), Kate (13), Ella (10), Declan (10), Riley (7) and Finn (5).

Kathleen studied Psychology at St. Bonaventure University graduating in 1969 before starting her long and remarkable teaching career. She was an educator at her core, spending 30 years as an elementary school teacher – 24 of those at Cherry Road School. She loved to be in the classroom to teach and care for young children and helped shape the lives of hundreds of her students. She leaves an indelible mark on the Westhill School District Community.

Kathleen’s warm and upbeat attitude could light up any room and leave a positive impact on anyone interacting with her. Her infectious personality helped her make life-long friends at every stop of her and Jim’s incredible journey together. She was always the friend you could count on for anything.

Kathleen cared deeply about her work with the Samaritan Center and St. Patrick’s Church during her “retirement”, helping to feed, clothe, and support the most vulnerable among us. She was committed to her community until her final day.

But the greatest joy of her life was spending time with her family – especially her 4 children, their spouses, and her 8 grandchildren – who all loved her dearly. She was a larger-than-life “Nana” to her family. The beautiful memories she created for and with her family will remain in each of their hearts and minds forever. She was so proud of her family and was fiercely loyal. She never stopped trying to connect with and care for each member of the family.

Kathleen was beautiful in every way. She was kind. She was caring. She was loving. She was “unique”, “one of a kind”, and “special” to all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10am at St. Patrick’s Church, 216 N Lowell Ave, Syracuse, NY. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 2-5pm at the church. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute whatever you can to St. Patrick’s Food Pantry by visiting https://www.stpatricksandstbrigids.org/about/donate