Kathleen DeBerardinis

Kathleen M. Hiegel DeBerardinis, age 84, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, in Cumming, Georgia, surrounded by her loving husband of 62 years, Gene, and her adoring family. Rest in peace, our sweet sister, wife, mother, friend, grandmother, and great-grandmother. You will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Kathy was born on October 10, 1942, in Warren, Ohio, to Helen and Joseph Hiegel. She was the oldest of six siblings. She is survived by Mary Beth May, Bob (Alice) Hiegel, Peggy Franklin, and Larry (Linda) Hiegel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Loretta and Joe, Jr. Hiegel, and Robert Franklin.

Kathy met Gene at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised five children: Amy (George) Wise, Jeff DeBerardinis, Kerri (Chad) Henderson, Sara Thomas, and Missy (Josh) Pate. Their family grew to include 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren—a whole new level of love!

Kathy's family adored her and was always there to help her navigate technology, while she shared her own wisdom with them through cooking lessons, laundry tips, and countless other life lessons. The grandchildren who brought her so much joy were Sebi and Ali Wise; Tate, Kel, Kara, and Drew Henderson; Jessica (Max) Thomas Reber, Hampton Thomas, and Jake (Kiera) Thomas; and Lilah and Hudson Pate. Her beloved great-grandchildren are Jack, Theo, and Casey Reber, who is expected on October 26.

Until the end of her life, Kathy remained an active and devoted member of St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Cumming, Georgia. She participated in the church's mission group, established the bingo program at Cumming Nursing Center, and faithfully counted the weekly offerings every Monday. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring the love and kindness she extended to everyone she met.

Cooking and baking were among Kathy's greatest joys, and her legendary Sunday dinners brought family and friends together around the table. Her famous spaghetti sauce was a family favorite, but the meals were about so much more than food. God was always present in their conversations, and those gatherings became treasured opportunities to share faith, laughter, stories, and love.

Kathy's gifts in the kitchen extended far beyond Sunday dinners. She created beautifully decorated birthday cakes and baked pumpkin bread and cranberry nut bread to share during the Christmas season. Her generosity knew no bounds. She delivered holiday treats not only to family and friends but also to her mail carrier and sanitation workers. Kathy saw everyone as a child of God, deserving of love, kindness, and compassion.

Kathy was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she excelled in every one of these roles. Her greatest earthly accomplishment was her family, whom she loved unconditionally, yet her most profound and cherished relationship was with God. She

lived her life according to His Word, found comfort and strength in prayer, and continually sought His guidance and the intercession of the saints throughout her life's journey.

Kathy’s legacy is one of faith, family, generosity, and unconditional love. Her warmth and kindness will live on through the traditions she cherished, the meals she lovingly shared, the lessons she taught, the prayers she offered, and the countless lives she touched. Throughout the years, she welcomed countless relatives into her home with open arms, offering them love, comfort, and a fresh start when they needed it most. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

May Kathy rest in the loving arms of God, reunited with those who have gone before her. May her family find comfort and strength in the beautiful faith she lived each day and in the enduring love she leaves behind.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Kathy’s life will be held at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church Saturday, November 21st at 12 noon, reception to follow immediately at St. John Bosco Academy across the street from St. Brendan.