It is with great sadness but also solace that the family of Kathleen M. Church announce her ascension to be with the Lord, on Monday, May 11th, 2026, at FF Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, while she was surrounded by the love and support of her family. A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on Saturday, June 20th at 11:00 AM at Calvary Chapel Seneca Falls, 2291 State Route 89, Seneca Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy’s memory may be directed toward an organization that meant a lot to her, Camp Good Days.

Kathy was born in Batavia, NY, daughter of John and Ruth (Gowdy) Stekl. She grew up in Livonia, graduating from Livonia High School, Class of 1983. After high school, Kathy attended Community College of the Finger Lakes, now FLCC, where she received her AAS in Business Administration. It was also during this time that she met John Church Jr., and the couple started their life together.

John and Kathy were married on May 23rd, 1987, and shortly after moved to Seneca Falls, where they started their family. Their son, JJ, was born not long after and was the couple’s pride and joy.

Though Kathy had health issues that affected her entire life, she always remained active. For many years she worked at Goulds Pumps as an executive secretary. She loved to take family trips, travelling to Niagara Falls and the Thousand Islands almost annually. Kathy also loved to craft and visited many of the local craft shows each year. Sharing a meal with family and close friends was always something Kathy enjoyed immensely. She loved people and always enjoyed getting together, sharing stories, and laughing. She especially loved being with her grandson, Jack, and making a lifetime of memories over the last 8 years. Kathy also loved to sit around a campfire in the warmer months. Whether it was to watch the flames dance around in peace and quiet, or to gather with family and friends for conversation, the warmth of the fire brought her happiness.

Kathy was a person of strong faith and a committed follower of Jesus. She was a longtime member at Calvary Chapel, where she not only practiced her faith, but she was also the office secretary for years. In addition to her immediate family, Kathy shared many strong connections with her church family.

Kathy is survived by her husband of nearly 39 years, John Church Jr.; son, John Justin (Katie) Church; grandson, John Andrew “Jack” Church; parents, John and Ruth Stekl; sister, Kristy (Todd) Chalfin; nieces, Reagan Chalfin and Siarra Meredith; nephews, Reid Chalfin and Joey Fiero; mother-in-law, Isabel Church; sisters-in-law, Mary (Gary) Gilbert, Christina Church, Anna (Tom) Meredith, and Celia Leyva. Kathy was predeceased by her father-in-law, John Church Sr.