Kathleen Wittenborn

On Monday, March 11, 2024, our Father called his daughter, Kathleen Elizabeth Wittenborn to her heavenly rest and reward. A longtime resident of the town of Pleasantville, New York, and a retired teacher, Kathy passed peacefully during the night at Phelps hospital in Sleepy Hollow following a day spent with friends, clergy, and her beloved husband at her side.

She is predeceased by her sister, Priscilla and brother-in-law Giuseppe. Surviving this tremendous loss are her loving husband Andrew (Andy), nephews Vinnie (Debbie), Harry (Melissa) Erardi; six grand nieces and nephews (Brandon, Joseph, John, Julia, Dominic, Daniel), two great grandnephews (Logan, Hunter); and a host of friends and loving church members.

A lifelong teacher, Kathy began teaching at Jeffersonville High School in the Catskills as a young lady with a coveted master's degree. She moved to Briarcliff and began teaching at the High School in the fall of 1969. Bowling and Pinochle were her pastimes while she splurged on one Coke per week. As the Lord would have it, she met her husband, Andrew Wittenborn, on January 4, 1970 at 6:30 PM at the Memorial Church on Bryant Avenue, in White Plains.

Over the next 53 years, Andy and Kathy were inseparable-never leaving each other's side except for two hospital stays. Rather, you would see them as a pair riding long distances to their auto shows in their vintage automobile, the Franklin; traveling abroad to England for traditional jazz festivals; faithfully attending Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday services at Ridgeway; or extending a "proverbial" hand to those in need of just about anything. With her roving cameraman by her side, Kathy could be seen lending support to the many ministries that were near and dear to her heart. Such ministries would include her decades-long tenure in the Ridgeway Sunday School department where she taught a vibrant group of adult participants. Ever the teacher, Kathy worked tirelessly to prepare lessons and lead new and "seasoned" Christians along the pathway of learning and discipleship in the Word of God.

Kathy also enjoyed spending time with her nephews and their wives and children on holidays, graduations and other special occasions. She was kind and loving to the children from the time they were born and would often say that she enjoyed being a substitute Grandmother since her sister never had this opportunity.

Kathy led the in-person Women of God bible study until two weeks ago when her health declined. She was devoted to keeping the ministry alive with her well-prepared lessons, printed materials, and email correspondence. Her very last words to her class participants during a hospital visit were that she wanted the group to continue going strong in years to come.

Among other ministry involvement, our beloved Kathy served as chairperson of the Scripture Union Northeast Council and offered meritorious support to its mission, activities, and outreach throughout her tenure. The bible was her great love. She and Andy attended the weekly Thursday Seniors Bible Study at Ridgeway--their arms always loaded with tasty treats, crackers and cheese. Believing in feeding the mind, body, and spirit, she was kind and generous; highly intelligent; a good counselor; a good listener; and considerate of those with special needs. Whereas some people would pray for you and wish you well, Kathy would do something helpful for you! Her motto was, "Faith without works is useless." James 2:20.

Special thanks and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Ridgeway Alliance Church, family, friends, Ballard Durand Funeral Home, Scripture Union and all who join in our profound sorrow. We are forever grateful for the expressions of sympathy during this time of bereavement. May we rest in Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my Righteous Hand", as we go forward in God's grace!