Kathryn (Kathy) Piersa, 70, of Edgewater, FL died April 21st after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in New London, CT and moved to Florida in 2005. She graduated Montville High School in 1965 in the first graduating class and graduated from Mitchell College in New London, CT.  She worked for Champion International Corp for 25 years as a Human Resource Manager. Kathy was a vibrant, outgoing and fun person who enjoyed camping around East Beach, Rhode Island and the Berkshires in Massachusetts. She also loved boating particularly in Hamburg Cove on the Connecticut River, and Long Island Sound destinations with Watch Hill, Rhode Island, one of her favorites.  Kathy was always one to get involved and was a leader which started with cheerleading in high school. She planned many memorable parties and vacations for family and friends. Kathy enjoyed softball and bowling in her younger years, but most importantly, she was a vocal presence at her sons and grandsons' sporting events.  One of Kathy's other passions was spending time at Marcody Ranch where she had many friends. She served tirelessly on the Board of Directors for Hope Reins, a therapeutic riding program. She loved working directly with the riders and the horses, and had an unbreakable bond with her own horse Destiny.  Kathy was love and kindness and those who knew her were made better for the time they got to be in her presence.

Kathy is survived by her husband Tom who she was married to for 49 years, her son Tommy and his loving partner Jennifer Pappas of Stamford, CT, her mom Rose Kotula of Uncasville, CT, and her grandsons Ryan and Adam. She was predeceased by her sister Christine and her father John Kotula.  In Florida, there will be a celebration of life for Kathy on May 6th at 12:00 PM at Marcody Ranch, 3804 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach, with a reception to follow at 1:30 at Cypress Head Golf Club Restaurant, 6231 Palm Vista Street, Port Orange. In Connecticut, there will be a celebration of life on May 12th at 11 AM at St. Patricks Cemetary on Depot Road in Uncasville.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Reins, Inc. www.hopereinsinc.org.