Kathryn Fredericka (Rusaw) Toni

Kathryn Fredericka (Rusaw) Toni, 63, of Niagara Falls NY, passed away unexpectedly in her home the morning of November 7th 2024. Born on June 1st, 1961 in Niagara Falls NY, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Eva (Deumo) Rusaw Sr. 

Kathy as known by her family & friends, was a 1979 Regents Diploma graduate of Niagara Falls High School. While attending she was very involved in the theater arts, most memorable for her role as Mazeppa in the play Gypsy as well as her talents as a seamstress taking lead in all aspects of the costuming department. Kathy shared her seamstress talents for over 45 years collectively between school, in home alterations & professionally at both Delores Bridal and Tattler's Lane Bridal. Her talents ranged from bridal, to creating full costumes from scratch for her children over the years as well as various other family & friends sewing needs. Thousands of hours of work filled with love led to hundreds of happy people who to this day commend her for her work. She was most proudly known for "creating magic" as when it came to sewing "nothing scared her" even when very difficult situations arose. 

Kathy loved all things Disney, with Dumbo and Maleficent being her favorites. She enjoyed traveling (especially cruising), the Christmas season, watching TV, cuddling with her grand-kitties and was an avid coffee lover. She also was a big Buffalo Bills fan with the Green Bay Packers coming in a close second. Her most loved interest of all however, was spending time with her family; especially the most recent addition, her newborn grandson Jacob.

Kathy was also a long time member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary LaSalle Post #1142. She spent many years in the organization, holding several positions including Unit 1142 Auxiliary President & Niagara County President. While in this organization she met the love of her life, James Toni Jr. On June 29th, 1996 they declared their everlasting love for one another in matrimony. They continued to share creating memories both within & outside the organization for many years thereafter. 

Kathryn is survived by her two children, Christine (Stephen) McNair and Phillip Toni both of Niagara Falls; her grandson Jacob McNair & grand-kitties Squishie & Princess; and two brothers Richard (Crystal) Rusaw II and Robert (Helen) Rusaw. Kathryn is also survived by an aunt, uncle, cousin, niece & several nephews. In addition to her parents and husband James, Kathryn was predeceased by one brother, Ronald Rusaw and her ex-husband (Christine's father) Gary S Cooper.

As per Kathryn's wishes, there will not be private services. If you would like to honor her life & love in person, please join the immediate family at the Otto Redanz Annual Candlelight Remembrance Service - December 14th, 2024 at 2pm; to be held at OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME 2215 Military Road Niagara Falls NY 14304.

In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations can be made to the family towards her grandsons wellbeing. The family has also set up an amazon wish list for convenience: www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/28PHVJ7H5WVK4

Kathy's family has entrusted her care to the Goodlander family, OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME AND NIAGARA COUNTY CREMATION CARE, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007).  Share condolences and memories at GOODLANDERCARES.com 

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