Kathy Battin (née Bottega), 74, born and raised in Syracuse, New York, where she would spend more than seventy years of her life, passed away on June 21, 2026, in Wesley Chapel, Florida, where she spent her final three years in the loving care of her daughter.

Kathy made her living as a saleswoman, a role she was naturally gifted at and loved. But it was on the stage that she truly came alive. In her younger years she performed at the local theater and sang lead for her band called Kat ’n Jammers, never happier than when she was sharing a song.

A devoted Christian, Kathy studied the Bible for more than 30 years and carried a deep and abiding love for God throughout her life. That same warmth extended to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was a gifted storyteller and a born talker, happy to chat with anyone about anything for as long as they’d listen. But her favorite subject was always her family. Nothing made her prouder than her children and grandchildren, who were the great joy of her life.

For more than 40 years, Kathy shared her life with her dear friend and companion, Mary Lou Elderbroom, who loved her dearly and was never far from her side. More than a friend, she was family, beloved by Kathy’s children and grandchildren, who lovingly know her as Aunt Mare.

Kathy is survived by her children, Todd Battin and Cassandra Conner; her brother, Louis Bottega; her grandchildren, Samantha, Jacob, Nicholas, Alexis, and Ashley; her nieces, Audrey and Angela; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent Bottega and Margaret Mellon, and her sisters, Mary Anne Kenny, Rose Marie “Rosie” Cyronis, Margaret “Peggy” Caponera, and Grace “Gracie” Bottega.

A service will be held on Kathy’s birthday—Sunday, June 28th—at Hodges Family Funeral Home (11441 US-301 S, Dade City, FL 33525). Visitation will start at 1:00 pm, with the memorial service starting at 3:00 pm.

Kathy lived with her heart on her sleeve, offering boundless compassion and kindness to all she met. She will be remembered for her warmth, her wit, her sense of humor, her unshakable faith, and the deep love she poured into her family, a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.