Kathryn (Ruffolo) Sereno, 62, a lifelong resident of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at her home, surrounded by family. Born November 29, 1949 to the late Louis J. Ruffolo and Kathryn Tully Ruffolo, Kathy attended St. Mark the Evangelist Grade School and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1967. She briefly attended UW Parkside, and worked at Triangle Appliance, Video, and Carpeting, her family owned business. She also worked for several years at Andrea’s Gift Shop. On July 27, 1973, she married the love of her life, Rick Sereno. Together they had two children, to whom she was a loving and generous mother. Kathy was the consummate volunteer. She was a member of the Catholic Junior Women’s League, served many years as a Special Olympics volunteer and board member. She was Girl Scout Leader, an active member of the St. Joseph Alumni Association, a member of St. Mark’s Christian Women, and an active member of several ministries at St. Mark. Kathy was a true animal lover who enjoyed traveling with family and friends. In her youth she was an avid swimmer. She loved to ski and was an instructor at Wilmot Mountain. She also enjoyed golf and tennis. She was very proud of her Irish heritage, which she celebrated with trips to Ireland with friends and family. She was a scorekeeper extraordinaire for several of her husband’s softball teams, and she never gave anyone a cheap hit. She was the finder of all lost things for her family. Kathy was a natural born caretaker and acted as second mother to anyone who needed her. Her family and friends meant the world to her and she never turned down an opportunity to spend time with them, whenever, wherever. She is survived by her husband Rick, two children, Lisa (Greg) Droessler, Paul (Valerie) Sereno, three grandchildren, Alyssa, Collin, and Gabriella Droessler, two brothers, John Ruffolo and Jerry Ruffolo (Cindy Lichter), her sister Kim (Paul) Melito, her father-in-law Don Sereno, twelve nieces and nephews, and two adoring cats, Kia and Colby. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her sister Jane. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 12th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Proko Funeral Home. There will be Memorial Mass at St. Mark Church at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, followed by interment at St. James Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Safe Harbor Humane Society, St. Mark Catholic Church or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Kathy’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Mike Serpe
July 1, 2013
Your family and friends were pleased to see you honored Friday night for your service to the St. Joe's Alumni. We all miss you and hold you close to our hearts, Kathy.
Linda Serpe Miller
July 18, 2012
Dear Rick and family,I was saddened to hear of Kathy's death. She was such a lovely person, with a beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Always keep her in your Heart and mind and speak of her often. Please accept my sincere condolence. Take care. Linda Serpe Miller, Chancy Spiekers sister.
Jette Tully-Coward
July 18, 2012
Dear Rick, Lisa, Paul Sereno & Ruffolo families, I just learned of Kathy's passing in an email today. I am shocked and deeply saddened from this news. I have such fond memories of my cousin with her laughter, infectious smile, and kind words that remain in my memory of our childhood gatherings and adult chance meetings. She brought faith, hope and joy to all, including me. I will miss her.God bless you all at this difficult time.
John and Penny Wierzbicki
July 14, 2012
To Rick and the Sereno Family... Penny and I want to send our most heartfelt condolences to all of you. We just found out today (Saturday) that Kathy had passed. We're sorry that we missed the funeral. During our 45th reunion gathering I told Kathy I would pray for her and ask for Gods healing. Obviously our Lord wanted her to come home and be with him. He always has better plans for us even though we may not agree with the timing. May God bless all of you and be your strength.
Gale (Dougvillo) Van Landuyt
July 13, 2012
I was so sorry to hear that Kathy had passed away. I went to school with her at St Mark's and St. Joe's. She was a great person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this tough time. Gale Dougvillo Van Landuyt Sarasota, Fl
Mike Serpe/Deb Hertzberg
July 13, 2012
At the end of a very long and sad week, being surrounded by the many people who came to give you their condolences and love should give you some comfort in the days to come. Kathy was someone who lived every day of her life trying to live up to the spirit of the words of The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, and by any objective measure, she succeeded completely.Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury,pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console;to be understood as to understand;to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive;it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. AmenTake good care of those you love. Kathy always did.
Larry and Joanne Janiak
July 13, 2012
We send our deepest sympathy for your loss.You are in our hearts and prayers.Janiak family
Irene Riordan
July 12, 2012
Dear Rick and Family sending my deepest sympathy for your lost. I want you to know you and your family will be in my prayers. Always remember the beautiful life you and Kathryn shared togather.
Dean & Marilyn Jensen
July 12, 2012
Dear Rick, Lisa, Paul, grandchildren and all of the Sereno & Ruffalo family members. We are unable to attend Kathy's memorial services but want all of you to know how deeply saddened we are at her passing. Kathy always had a smile on her face and always there to help others. We know she will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to all of you and may God keep all of you near during this diffuclt time. May the wonderful memories of Kathy bring you peace in the coming days. You are in our prayers. Dean & Marilyn Jensen
Bruce Roberts (friend of James and Sue Sereno)
July 12, 2012
Dear Sereno family, I am sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences.
Hillary Klass
July 12, 2012
I will be unable to attend the services for Kathy but please know, Rick, that my thoughts are with you and your family. I will miss her a lot. She always brightened up a room with her presence and she was the most unselfish person I have ever known. I have a lot of great memories of our times together. Please take care and my love to you and your family.
Martha & Ric Rendon
July 12, 2012
Dear Rick,We were stunned and saddened to read about Kathy's death. How can a woman so full of the love of life be gone? Our deepest condolences,Ric & Martha Rendon
Tom & Carol Tovo Murphy
July 12, 2012
Dear Rick, Lisa, Paul and family,Your loss is a great one but we know that her love and courageous spirit that touched so many hearts will live on in all of you.We share your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary Legler
July 12, 2012
Dear Sereno & Ruffalo Families: I am so sorry to learn of Kathryn's passing. May you all be able to draw on the great memoties of her during this most sorrow filled time. God Bless. Gary Legler & Family
Jim and Lisa Ruffolo & family
July 12, 2012
Dear Rick, Lisa and Paul, we are saddened by the loss of (my) cousin Kathy. Rick, we have such fond memories of Kathy and you as the four of us spent time together in our early years of marriage. I will never forget the pleasure I received while exchanging Valentine's cards with Kathy for so many years and teaching skiing together at Wilmot. We will always remember Kathy for her sincere generosity and omnipresent smile. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family as we all grieve the loss of Kathy.
Muriel Stielow and daughter Debbie
July 11, 2012
I wanted to let you know that my Mother and I are very saddened by this news. Kathy was a very important part of our family and we know that she is in God's hands now and has all of you in her heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Tyler and Shari Buchholz
July 11, 2012
We just heard of Kathy's passing and are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Jeanne Sanchez
July 11, 2012
My sympathies to the Sereno, Ruffolo, and Droessler families. Lisa, Espero que todo se va bien en este tiempo muy duro. I am so sorry for your loss.
Karen Metallo
July 11, 2012
Dearest Rick, Lisa, Paul and family, Please know that you are all in my heart, daily loving thoughts and every prayer with heart felt sympathy. Kathy dis now a powerful angel in Heaven interceding for you and watching over you all. What an amazing woman Kathy is and she touched so many people's lives....what an inspiration she is to all who know and love her! God bless you all and hold you close to His heart. Love, Karen Metalo
Mary Hammond Iber
July 10, 2012
My deep condolences to all the family. I was in Kathy's grade at St. Mark's & St. Joe's. What a cheerful, energetic,sincere, and kind soul she is. I was deeply moved in our later years when she and my mother became dear friends. I have a feeling that mom (Pat Hammond) was on her welcoming committee when Kathy passed from this life to what is hopefully an even more glorious one.
Mike & Carol Davidovic
July 10, 2012
Dear Rick, Lisa, Paul and Family, We certainly have no words that would take your pain away. We just want all of you to know that Kathy was always so kind and friendly toward us that we can only imagine the joy and wonderful,loving memories that she is leaving with each and everyone of you.Our prayers are for you and your family that in days to come her memory and love will be with you forever and that in time the pain will turn to a gentle heartache. God has a plan for all of us. She is resting in HIS peace and glory.
Stephanie & Mike Koser
July 10, 2012
Paul & Family, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. What an amazing woman. -Stephanie & Family
Brenda Hammond
July 10, 2012
Rick, Lisa, Paul and family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. I pray that you are given the strength to get through this most difficult time. Kathy is one of the most caring and thoughtful souls I have ever had the privilege to be around. She was definitely a second Mom to me during those growing years of Girl Scouts. To this day, I am so thankful for the time we spent together and everything she taught me. Her physical presence will be truly missed, but the memories are etched in each of us. These memories will keep her with us forever. May you find peace in knowing she will never leave your side. I am praying for you and your family. Hugs to you all.
Robyn Henoch
July 10, 2012
My friend Kath...it's only for a time that we must part, and i will bless the memories forever in my heart. Rick and family, my prayers are with you. xo
Lois Sereno Perelli
July 9, 2012
Irish Funeral PrayerDeath is nothing at all.It does not count.I have only slipped away into the next room.Everything remains as it was.The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.Call me by the old familiar name.Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.Put no sorrow in your tone.Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.Let it be spoken without effortLife means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.There is unbroken continuity.Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.One brief moment and all will be as it was before.How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.Source: derived from a sermon written by Henry Scott Holland and delivered in St. Paul's (London) on 15 May 1910, at which time the body of King Edward VII was lying in state at Westminster. Although not originally derived from Irish writings, versions of this sermon have been used at many Irish and Catholic funerals over the years.
Marlene Broesch-Quick
July 9, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Kathy's entire family. This was a shock to me and I can't begin to express the sadness I have for all of you. We knew each other since grade school and it has always been my privilege to have known her. She was a very special person. My heart goes out to her family for your loss and to everyone else who knew her and will always miss her. You are all in my thoughts & prayers in these difficult days.
Steve and Angela Pfeiffer
July 9, 2012
Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. She will be greatly missed. Steve, Angie, Brooke, Emily, and Rylee Pfeiffer
Dave and Lisa (Germain) Kappers
July 9, 2012
My memories of our families together range from girl scouts to little league games. Rick, Lisa, and Paul, may the beautiful memories of your wife and mother get you through this difficult time. She was loved by many and will be remembered for the beautiful spirit she is and remains. Prayers and hugs to you and your families.
Joyce & Ozzie Sorensen
July 9, 2012
Dear Rick, Lisa and Paul,Kathy was always a fun loving spirit. May you find tranquility in knowing that friends and loved ones share in the loss of Kathy.