Vernon Obituary: Katherine Breen, 67

Katherine “Kathy” (Tantillo) Breen, 67, of Vernon, died Sunday, February 14, 2016, surrounded by her family after a stroke.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, William “Bill,” to whom she served as a devoted caregiver for years up until the day she died. She loved him unconditionally. Kathy was a wonderful, beloved mother and unparalleled worrier for her son and daughter and their families: Scott and Dianne Breen of Endicott, NY, and Kim Breen and Eric Aasen of Dallas, Texas. She adored her six grandchildren: Megan, Sarah, Caroline and Joseph Breen, and Claire and Matthew Aasen. She is also survived by her sister and brother and their families: Rosalie and Theodore Kalisz of Marlborough, and Benedict III and Barbara Tantillo of Harwich, MA. Survivors also include two aunts, Vivian Gisondi of New York and Domenica Guidera of New Jersey, with whom she shared a special bond, as well as several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Benedict Jr. and Josephine Tantillo, and Bill’s sister and husband, Nancy and Art Jarvis.

Kathy’s family moved from the Bronx to Vernon when she was 12, but she never lost the accent. She was a short woman with a big personality who loved old movies, trips to the casino and playing cards with her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 19th, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 33 West Street, Rockville. Interment will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery, Rockville.

Saint Francis Hospital’s staff was extremely supportive to her family during a very trying time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the hospital’s foundation at www.saintfrancisdonor.com.

Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home in Vernon is caring for the arrangements. See more at www.carmonfuneralhome.com.