Obituary of Kathleen Zisel

Zisel, Kathleen M., 78, of Melville, passed away on December 8th, 2024. Beloved wife of Robert L. Loving mother of Rober K. (Dina), Craig, and John (Nick). Adoring grandmother of Juliana and Xander. Dear sister of George Roth, and the late Frederick Roth.

Kathleen Margaret Roth was born in Astoria, Queens NY on March 8, 1946, to Gladys & Water Roth. Named after her beloved great grandmother and grandmother, she joined her brothers Fred and George as the baby of the family and was the first baby girl born into the much larger Irish-Catholic Fitzgerald family. As the first-born girl, she loved babysitting her numerous younger cousins and spending time with her mom's sisters and brother, Aunts Hycie, Rose and Uncle Eamon.

Kahtleen worked several jobs following graduation from William Bryant High School: sales at a local undergarment store in Astoria, secretary to the Carpenter's Union and fabric buyer at a schmatta dress company in Manhattan's Garment District.

Kathleen would go on to marry Robert L. Zisel on Decmeber 7, 1968, following a matchmaking connection orchestrated by her great friend Niki D'Acry, and her boyfriend, later husband, and Roberth's brother, Kenneth.

Kathleen and Robert then moved to Flushing, Queens, later giving birth to Irish twins, Robert Keith and Craig Andrew, just fifteen months apart in 1969 & 1971. In 1973, the Zisel family moved to Linford Lane in Melville, which became her beloved home of over 50 years. In 1978 she gave brith to her youngest son, John Fitzgerald.

Kathleen's love of family could be felt by anyone who entered her home. She excelled at creating memories with her loved ones, whether it was a holiday celebration, or a fun-filled family trip. The love could be felt in every meal that she prepared and served at her dining table. Kathleen's love of trave was elevated when she became a travel agent in the late 1980's, allowing her to create even more family memories away from her home on Long Island.

Kathleen had a passion for the arts and excelled in drawing, painting, needlepoint, crochet, and crafting. She was an avid gardener and cherished creating beautiful gardens for all to enjoy. Her love of flowers was undeniable, whether in her garden or in recreating works of art for the walls. Kathleen's love of the theater was enhanced by her undying connection to New York City and the proximity of the theater district.

Kathleen was a devoted and proud member of the South Huntington PTA, participating in her three sons' educations and helping to steer the school district throughout the decades.

Kathleen was a pillar of the St. Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Parish, whether teaching catechism classes, as Eucaristic Minister or volunteer throughout her five decades in the community.

Visitation will be hlep Wednesday December 18, 2024 from 2pm to 4pm & 7pm to 9pm at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 York Avenue, Huntington Station, NY 11746. Funeral Mass to be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 9:30am, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Melville, NY 11747. Interment to follow at St. Charles Cemtery, Farmingdale.

Flowers are welcome and memorial donations in Kathleen's name may be made to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation; American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; or St. Jude Children's Hospital.