“Angels On You”- It’s a phrase anyone who was lucky enough to know Kathleen Marshall is used to hearing. Whether you were a stranger, a passing acquaintance, a friend or family, Kathy uttered those words to you at least once.
Born on January 1st, 1958, daughter of the late Keith and Helen Marshall, Kathy became an Angel on April 13, 2015 at the age of 57, leaving behind her husband, Paul Swing, to whom she was married to for 14 wonderful years.
Survived by her 5 children, Steven Bartolomeo (Aka Dinkaroon), an amazing father, brother and son, and a man who cried in his mom’s embrace when he had to move out and away from her at 18 years old, Brian Bartolomeo (Aka Munkaface), a loving father, brother and son, and a man who refused to sleep over anyone’s house well into his teenage years because he would miss his mommy. Jon Bartolomeo, (Aka Tubas) an amazing father, brother and son, and a man who still referred to Kathy as mommy in adulthood and called her to help him feel better when he was sick. Robert Bartolomeo (Aka Bass), an army hero to his family and friends, a man who loved his family fiercely, an amazing father, brother and son. A man who couldn’t see his mother without wrapping her in hugs and kisses for 15 minutes straight every time he saw her because he loved his mom so much. And Toni Ann Sprague (Aka Noses) a loving mother, a girl who wanted nothing but to be the same kind of mother to her children as Kathy was to her. A girl who still, at the age of 28 called her mommy over 6 times a day because she was her best friend.
Kathy leaves behind a legacy of 7 beautiful grandchildren- Emily, Chloe, Madison, Christian, Daisy, Riley, and Corey. These children are lucky enough to have parents who were taught HOW to be parents from the most amazing mother in the world. Kathy’s children look back upon their childhood with nothing but amazement. Firelight guided kick the can, Mom’s Revenge Easter Egg Hunts, Neck Tickles at bedtime, crazy multi-colored jackets, horror movie marathons, dance parties, agonizing wait times on Christmas morning while they waited for Kathy to get her tea before the presents could be opened, the corniest jokes known to man and hugs, love and approval no matter what messes they got themselves into. She opened her heart and her home to the neighborhood. Known as “Mama B” to many of the local kids, Kathy was quick to add you to her life and take you in as her own.
Her siblings, Lynne Brocksopp, Keith Marshall, Karl Marshall, Laura Torres and Chris Marshall remember her as Katleen (fondly called Tyeen by their father). They are grateful for her rebellious spirit that took the focus off of them most of the time. They will miss her dearly, but have peace knowing she’s having tea with Grandmere right now.
She left this world to soon. Her pain was too great for the loss of her son, her hero, her Robby. Her love for her children and grandbabies was a fierce love, one that was unmatched and irreplaceable. With a broken heart, she lie down to sleep and angels took her to find some peace.
Never a day will go by, where the loss of Kathy is not felt. Never a joyous moment will occur where her children won’t pick up the phone to try and tell her about it. Never once will her children, family and friends doubt the love she had for them. “Angels On You”, a phrase that we all expected to hear at the end of a conversation, cannot physically be heard anymore. Instead, we know, that you are our angel and you are ALWAYS around us. As we say goodbye, we will do it your way- as a celebration of the most amazing, kindest, loving person in the world. Put your arms around Rob, raise your glass of Pepsi, eat your devil dog and dance around with your hands in the air.. We love you more than life itself- Tell God a few jokes for us.
