Kathleen Marie "Kathy" (O'Neill) Roberts, lovingly known as Kathy, Kath, Babe, Mom, Nonnie, AK, Aunt Kathy, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on December 29th, 2025, encircled by her husband and daughters. She was 65 years old. Born on February 16, 1960 in Elmira, New York, Kathy was the heart of her family and a friend to those she met. Kathy was a woman who believed fiercely in the good of people. She had a gift for turning strangers into friends, and friends into family. Her generosity knew no bounds—whether it was loaning money to someone in need or simply offering a listening ear. She believed in justice, dignity, and taking care of one another. When the world disappointed her, she restored her faith by bringing her family together and watching Hallmark movies, year-round. In her later years, Kathy dedicated her career to serving others as a Case Manager, where she touched countless lives with her compassion and dedication. Many of the young adults she supported remained in close contact with her up until her passing—a testament to the lasting impact she made.

She was strong, outspoken, and protective—if you crossed her, you knew it. Yet in the same breath, she could forgive and love you even harder. No one fought for her loved ones like Kathy did. She carried burdens for many of us, magnifying our pain so we didn't have to bear it alone. She fed us all—figuratively and literally—and filled our lives with warmth and laughter. Kathy loved to travel and spent much of her time vacationing with her family, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. She was proud of her Irish heritage and had planned to travel to Ireland again— often recalling her first trip for her daughter Erin's wedding, "the trip of a lifetime". She adored her grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews, often making them laugh with her stories, her special way, and her thoughtful (and often continuous) gifts.Kathy was a phenomenal storyteller! She had a way of turning even the simplest story into a comedy show—complete with her signature 'Kath-centric' adjectives and colorful language. She could make you laugh until your cheeks hurt and then feed you a plate of something delicious while telling you another story. Her laughter was contagious, her hugs were healing, and her presence was unforgettable. Her stories, her humor, and her heart will live on in all of us. She is survived by her husband, the love of her life for 44 years, Robert W. Roberts Jr.; daughters, Sara E. Roberts, Erin R. (Christopher) Dannelley with their children, Neleh O'Neill Dannelley and Addyson L. Danelley; niece who was more loved like a daughter, Brandy W. (Chad) Fuller with their children, Hadiya J.S. Fuller, Aurelia V. Fuller, Sorcha L. Fuller; sister, Amy J. Sterpe; special cousin, Thomas (Cathy) Dunbar; brother, James P. (Darlene) O'Neill; her nieces and great nieces, Casey L. Sterpe, Anythm M. Cooper, Britney L. Sterpe; nephews and great nephews, Cody L. Sterpe, Brady L. Sterpe, Trystan J. Stark; uncle-in-law, Terry (Lynne) Patrick; special mention of Kathy's bestie, lifelong friend and travel sister, Vicki (Robert) Schornstheimer with their children, Stefanie, Ashton and Abbie Kathleen; close friend, Sarah (Chad) Snowberg with their children, Anthony and Lily. Honorable mentions of other families, the Thomas, Cummings and McGrady families as well as the countless people that came through her door and will remember her always. Kathy was preceded in death by father, Jerome P. O'Neill; mother, Janet J. O'Neill, brother, Micheal O'Neill and "aunt" Paula Thomas.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held on Saturday, January 31st at the Elmira Elks Lodge 300 East Gray Street Elmira, NY from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of one's choice. Forever in our hearts, Kathy—you were our fighter, our storyteller, and our home. In all of the roles we knew her for, her favorites were Mom and Nonnie.