Kathryn "Kathy" Mary DeTota, 85, of Baldwinsville, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, after a battle with cancer.

Born in Syracuse, Kathy was the oldest of six children of Boyla and Gertrude Grad. She graduated from North High School and met her husband, Ronald "Ron" DeTota, while working at the New York State Fair. They married on August 20, 1960, and settled in Baldwinsville, where they raised their daughter and three sons and formed lasting friendships.

Kathy enjoyed bringing people together for card games, holidays, birthdays, camping trips, and family meals. She was an avid reader who could enjoy a book almost anywhere, though a beach or a lawn chair in a shallow river were favorite places. At home, she tended her flower gardens and deck plants, enjoyed scrapbooking and crafts, and kept up with her favorite television shows. She took pride in her beautiful cursive handwriting and encouraged her grandchildren to learn it, too. Her homemade cutout cookies were a familiar part of family celebrations.

Her work with U.S. Airways at Syracuse International Airport reflected her love of travel. Kathy and Ron spent many winters at Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, sharing time there with their children and grandchildren. She loved reading in the sun, ice cream from the Candy Kitchen, meals at the Conch Republic, and the friendships she made along the way. Trips to Disney World were another favorite.

Above all, Kathy loved her family. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren at their sporting events and took great joy in watching them grow. She spent hours talking with her sisters and offered a listening ear, a place at the table, and a mother's care to those who needed it. Kathy took pride in her family, both by birth and by friendship, and wanted everyone to feel loved for who they were. She will be remembered for her holiday spirit, love of the Wizard of Oz, and, especially, her lifelong devotion to Elvis Presley.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ron; her children, Lynn (Steve) Miller, Ronald (Michelle) DeTota, Steven DeTota, and Eric DeTota; her brothers, Paul Grad and Michael (Susan) Grad; her sisters, Susan (Fred) Stoddard, Kim (Tom) Rust, and Shelly (Bob) Clement; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She is also lovingly remembered by Johna Tiff, the mother of Eric's children.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 47 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Baldwinsville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.