Kathleen Marie Pagano-Fuller

Kathleen (Kathie) Pagano-Fuller, 63, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, moved to her Eternal Home on Saturday, Jan. 13, after a year-long battle with Lymphoma Cancer. Kathie was born in Schenectady, NY and married Ron Pagano-Fuller in Newark, NY on Sept. 9, 1978. She was predeceased by both parents Alice Murphy Pagano and Herbert R. Pagano, Sr. Kathie’s husband Ron is very grateful for nearly 40 years together. Their children Kelly (Brad) Bradley of Chattanooga, TN and Rachel (Chris) Wittman of Amherst, NY along with grandchildren Ethan and Madilyn Bradley and Charlotte and Keegan Wittman spent many hours with Mom / Nana bringing her many laughs, smiles, and encouragement. Kathie was one of five siblings: Herb (Sue Hanson) Pagano, Peggy (Bruce) Sheehan, Sue (Gary) Fitzpatrick, Betsy (John Nichols) Pagano. She was blessed with 12 nieces and nephews. Kathie earned her Master’s Degree from SUNY Geneseo and her CAS & SDA Administrative Certifications from SUNY Oswego. With her passion for children, teaching, and literacy, Kathie held several positions over her 30-year career in New York State. These positions included: teaching grades Pre-K, 4th, and 6th, Elementary School Principal, Director of ELA (English Language Arts) for grades K-5, and Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction (Elementary). Kathie finally served as Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction prior to her retirement in 2009 from NY. Following their move to Chattanooga, TN, Kathie went back to work in 2011 for another 5 years as Asst. Elementary School Principal, Director of Middle and High School Literacy, finally completing her career in education in June of 2016. Kathie is no longer suffering, but dancing and rejoicing in the presence of her Savior! She won the victory! Cancer did not win; she is completely healed! 2 Timothy 4:7 - “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Kathie was a true warrior who began and ended her journey with faith, amazing courage, vitality, strength and joy. She touched every person she met with her bright smile, kindness, energy, joy and uplifting spirit. Without exception, people experienced the love of God through her and witnessed her sweet presence … even in the midst of relentless pain and discomfort. We stood in awe of God as we watched her bring a smile to someone’s face or touch their heart in a special way. She was always thinking of others and was constantly giving. Kathie was truly an amazing gift from God. Though we wish our time with her could have been longer, we are thankful for the many special memories that we have together. She is already greatly missed. If there was one thing that she was determined to do throughout her journey, it was to bring glory and honor to God through everything she did and fulfill the calling He had for her life. We believe she did just that, and more. If she were here right now, Kathie would want to make sure you knew a few things: that you are dearly loved by God, and that you also can experience His love. God has the best plan for your life, and by choosing to follow Jesus, He can show you the path to becoming the best version of “you” there is! Kathie lived the abundant life here on earth that Jesus offers us [I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10] - and now she is vibrantly alive in Heaven. Though there are many tears right now, we (husband Ron and daughters: Kelly and Rachel) have great hope and a promise that we will join her again. He - Jesus, IS the light in darkness. He IS the hope when we are broken and shattered. He IS the answer to a world without hope. Kathie’s love for Jesus is where she found these wonderful gifts that she shared and gave to others. Our family wishes to thank all of you who have “prayed without ceasing,” and given us encouragement, love and support throughout this journey. Every single one has made a difference and along with God’s grace, the strength to sustain us was provided. We are forever grateful to you. This time of grieving and loss is a challenging time for our family … we request your sustained prayers. As a family, we pray that you also will find the hope, strength, and grace that He brings into your life! In Kathie’s honor, a “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018. It will be at Ooltewah United Methodist Church where both Kathie and Ron are active in ministry. Beginning at 10am through 11:30am, there will be a casual time of visiting in the lobby with family, a slide show of family pictures, and light refreshments. You can arrive anytime between 10am and 11:30am. At 11:30am, all of us will gather in the Worship Center to celebrate and honor Kathie in an upbeat, joyful, and celebratory manner. We hope you can join us. In place of flowers, you may contribute to one of two organizations (501C3) that were passions for Kathie. You may donate by check in person on Feb. 3, or you may donate in Kathie’s honor using this contact info: World Vision International Education Fund (for children of poverty) Phone # 1-888-511-6519, Use Source Code # 31003795. Another option is to sponsor a child ($ 39/month) in Kathie’s honor using the info above. Or to The Zion Project (restoring those rescued from Human Trafficking in the Chattanooga, TN area, Guatemala, Bulgaria, etc) Checks can be made out to and sent to (with “Kathie PF” in the memo line): The Zion Project, PO Box 3552, Chattanooga, TN 37404 OR –Visit: www.thezionproject.net and place “Kathie PF” in the note box. Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel Ringgold, Georgia.

Kathleen Marie Pagano-Fuller

January 31, 1954 - January 13, 2018