Kathleen “Kathy” (Hotaling) LaTocha

Kathleen “Kathy” LaTocha, 63, passed away peacefully at Francis House, on August 21, 2024, after a long illness. A devoted wife of 18 years, Kathy is survived by her husband Ronald (Ron), stepson Christopher, daughter-in-law Wendy, her grandchildren Jillian, Sarah, Ashtyn and Chayce, sister-in-law Marguerite (Margo) Hotaling, nephews Charles and Zachary (Nikki), niece Rebecca (Adam) and great-nieces Abigail and Isabelle, along with many other in-laws, family, and friends and of course, her faithful canine companions, Maggie, Bogie, Joey and Hazel.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Dick and Joyce Hotaling, her brother Charles “Chuck” Hotaling, and her stepson Michael LaTocha. 

Kathy was born and raised in North Syracuse, NY. She was a graduate of North Syracuse High School and Oswego State University. After college,Kathy lived in Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, before returning to New York to help care for her mom. Her experiences with her mom’s battle with Alzheimer’s inspired her to write a memoir called, “For the Love of Mom”, which was published in 2014. 

Kathy loved all animals but had a special affinity for dogs, especially German shepherds. In 2013, Kathy became a certified dog trainer and spent countless hours helping people build better relationships with their furry friends. Kathy retired from Excellus BCBS in 2021 as a Senior Systems Analyst after a long and successful career. 

Kathy loved life and was well known for her persistent optimism, beautiful smile, amazing sense of humor, mediocre golf game, equestrian prowess and mad gardening skills. She enjoyed spending time with her loved ones and believed in living each day to its fullest. 

Calling hours will be from 3:00-430p.m. at Sears Middleton Mathewson Funeral Home Friday, September 6, with the funeral immediately following at 4:30. 

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Francis House for the kindness, love, compassion, empathy and support they showed to Kathy when she needed it most.

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