Katherin L. Rampulla Cobbett (79) of Webster, NY – formerly of Horseheads, NY – peacefully ended her life’s journey and went to join her husband and soulmate, Robert Cobbett, on February 9, 2022 .
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson – “To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – This is to have succeeded.” Kathy succeeded in innumerable ways during her life. Kathy raised three children as a single Mom. Her children – David (Angi) Rampulla of Painted Post, Maria Elston (Christopher Roberti) of Horseheads and Tony Rampulla of Farmington – could not have asked for a better parent. Kathy worked as a Teacher’s Aide – assisting elementary school students with remedial math and reading at St. Mary Our Mother School and then at Ridge Rd. School. She worked hard to make sure her children had what they needed. Kathy instilled in them the value of respect for all others, the importance of a strong work ethic and the power of forgiveness and unconditional love. Kathy enjoyed nothing more than time spent with her children and her grandchildren – Josh Rampulla, Matthew Rampulla, Zane Rampulla, Jade Rampulla, Anthony Rampulla, Aiden Rampulla and Jayme Elston. Kathy was happy to extend her family when she married Bob in 1988. Kathy did her best to be a friend to Bob’s children and his grandchildren – Annalee Cobbett, Dan (Rebecca) Cobbett & Ryan, John (Sigrid) Cobbett & Tristan, Aaron Cobbett (Donnie Russo), Jeannine (Steve) Simon & Kobey and Grace.
Kathy loved all things in nature (except snakes) and she treasured the Earth. Kathy recycled everything that could be recycled. Kathy’s parents were florists and she was blessed with a green thumb. She always enjoyed tending to her flower gardens and her houseplants. Her home in Webster afforded her a front row seat to scores of wildlife and she spent many peaceful moments watching the deer, the squirrels, the birds, the chipmunks, the butterflies and the honey bees that graced her with their presence.
Kathy was dedicated to making the world a better place – she demonstrated this in words and in action. She was involved for many years in the efforts of Moving Beyond Racism in the Rochester area. Her participation included assisting with the celebration of Maafa as well as facilitating a monthly book group focused on issues of racism. Kathy was instrumental in getting a memorial plaque placed on Sullivan’s Island (a slavery port in SC). Kathy was a big supporter of Ganondagan and the Native American Cultural Center. Kathy volunteered her time for the Beginning Experience Ministry (for separated, divorced, widowed persons) as well. She and Bob were team leaders for many BE weekend retreats. Kathy enjoyed and supported the arts – especially dance and music.
Kathy was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor, a supporter, an advocate – she cared deeply for those with whom she surrounded herself. She had many people who were very special in her life including her very dear neighbors – Pam, Mike and Frank. She will be dearly missed by her family and by all those whom she called “friend”. We take comfort in knowing that Kathy has reunited with Bob and with her parents and siblings (John Pappas & Eleanor Provost).
Kathy’s final wish was to have her ashes scattered with those of her beloved. Her children will honor this wish. No services are planned at this time. Please leave memories of Kathy and condolences below.
Please consider making a donation in Kathy’s honor to one of these organizations who provided an immense amount of help and support to her:
UR Medicine Home Care Foundation, Inc. (Hospice)
2180 Empire Blvd.
Webster, NY 14580
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/home-care.aspx
URMC – Wilmot Cancer Center
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/cancer-institute.aspx
Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WASPS)
1350 Chiyoda Dr.
Webster, NY 14580
https://www.websterwasps.com/
She was so loved and she loved so many. Forever in our hearts.
Her memory is a blessing for all of us. I was a new teacher at the time. She befriended and gently guided me. Kathy’s presence remained in spite of distance. I am grateful we met once more before she left to be with Bob. David, Maria and Tony are her legacy. Go gently and in comfort knowing her strength and spirit live in others, too
Heather – Thank you for the kind words. Mom always felt blessed to have known you. Forever grateful that we were able to arrange that Abbott’s visit! ❤️
I am so glad that Kathy was in my life. We went through so much together , our husband’s deaths, illnesses and of course many laughs. I will dearly miss our hours long talks and just being there for each other.
Ginny – I know Mom considered you a dear friend. She always remembered the time you went to pick her up at the hospital in the middle of the night / wee hours of the morning. She knew she could always count on you. I hope your memories of her will sustain you through this difficult time. Please take care.
I loved Kathy and Bob. Their dedication to the Beginning Experience was exceptional! I was fortunate to work with them for everyone they touched, especially the separated, divorced and remarried folks. They were forever be remembered for great back rubs!
Kathy – Thank you for sharing. We know that BE was a big part of Mom and Bob’s life. Happy to hear confirmation of the huge impact they had.
My friend Miss Katherine was a very nice and calm Princess, I met you for a short period of time but it seems like we knew each other for the longest, you’ll ask me if I’m ok or if I’ve eaten with a smile whenever I’m with her, I’ll never forget those smiles you used to give me in your sick bed because i sees it everyday in my imagination. I’m so happy I met you and i was able to play a part in your last days. You’ll be missed dearly because you were an angel leaving on earth
Continue to take your rest until we meet again, I’ll always think of you when ever I see the little princess you gave me and I appreciate it so much from the bottom of my heart. May your gentle and loving soul continue to rest in paradise.
I’ll always love you. BYE👋
She truly loved you Evelyn. We are so grateful that you were one of the people who cared for Momas she ended her journey here on Earth. God bless you ❤️
Kathy will always be remembered by me for her gentleness, caring and smile. She & Bob worked with me and many in Beginning Experience.
Thank you for sharing, Louise. We are glad you had a chance to know our Mom.
I am so sorry to read about Kahy’s passing. Kathy & Bob were volunteer facilitators with a team of people for the “What divides us” a eight session workshop about the “isms” created by Judidcial Process Commission. This workshop was presented to hundreds of Rochesterians from roughly 1995 to 2000 or so. Kathy was a steady & dependable team member. She was a kind, grounded spirit with a demonstrated commitment to justice. Margaret Meads quote says it all – Kathy exemplified the moto “never underestimate what a small group of dedicated people can accomplish! Sending Kathy’s family lots of virtual hugs & peace!
This is one of the most beautiful obituaries I have ever read. I know how many lives she touched and how she made this world a better place. I am so sorry for your loss.
Melanie -Thank you for you kind words.
I’m so sorry,David,Maria,Tony,and the rest of the family. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all during this difficult time. So many great memories with your mom ,and all of you. May you all fine comfort knowing she pain free.you will always have a angel watching over you all. I love you all . Continue prayers. RIP Kathy.
Thank you Sandy ❤️
For those of us who have only had the priviledge of knowing you Maria, there is a deep appreciation for what can be seen as the clear reflection of your mother’s vibrant, loving and enduringly gentle & strong soul. You and your family are her legacy, and the whole world is better for it. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family. May memory and tears, and the all the places of remembrance you find among you weave together in a warm blanket of peace.
Leisa – thank you for words and your wishes.
Love you Aunt Kathy. I will always remember you teaching me how to fold the bottom sheet. It’s the small things in life that count.
Joy – she loved you very much. So glad you got to FaceTime with us! Love you.
I am so sorry for your loss! What a beautiful woman and precious soul. Heaven has another angel.
Xo,
Merete
Indeed, Merete, indeed. Thank you for your kind words.
Kathy brought love, peace and joy to my dad’s life and I’m eternally grateful to her for that. It makes me very happy to think of all they joy that they found together for so many years. Kathy was always so welcoming and supportive even after the passing of my father. She was a kind, generous, and genuine person, and her memory will live on in me and my wife’s hearts for the rest of our days. Maria, David, and Tony, take strength from the fact that your mom was loved by so many and made such a positive impact in so many ways. The world is not the same without her, but as we continue to cherish her memory, she lives on in our hearts.
Well said Dan. Sending love and hugs to you, Rebecca and Ryan.
Kathy and I walked the Cancer journey together. She was one of the most loving people I have ever known, caring so much for others, truly loving and enjoying all nature, facing challenges with faith and dignity, and continuing to see the blessings in her life til the very end. She often talked about Bob, saying she wished I could have known him. She spoke about the social action projects they were involved in together. I remember the times we would meet, discuss and share about our treatment and the things that gave us strength. The last time I saw her was right before COVID. She, Andrea and I had lunch together and were so happy to see each other! Maria, you were an amazing daughter; with her all the way through til the end. How she loved you and your brothers! May memories of her bring you peace and comfort always!
Debbie – she considered you a good friend. Thank you for your kind words.
I felt like I knew your Mom so well, mostly from your wonderful yearly letters at Christmas, which are a joy to read. Thanks to your dedicated updates, it made me feel closer, despite the distance!
The times I WAS around Kathy as a young man, she had such a gentle aura, it was admirable! And I see a lot of her in you, Maria.
Peace to you, David & Tony, as well as Jayme and all the other family.
“Gone, yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart”
Thanks so much Matt ❤️
Kathy was a kind and gentle soul who had a gift for listening and always made others feel seen. She and my dad Bob really were two of a kind and it makes me happy to think of them together. Kathy will be remembered with joy and gratitude as an example of kindness and empathy, a person who had a positive and lasting effect on everyone around her.
Aaron – YES! She and your Dad were a perfect match and their heavenly reunion was undoubtedly a celebration beyond compare. Thank you for your kind words. ❤️
Bob & Kathy together again—Love, Joy and Peace to them ♥️👩❤️👨
Annalee – Yes – their reunion is the one thing that brings us all a bit of comfort during this time.
When I think of unconditional love, and bear hugs, I think of Kathy. When I think of Beyond Racism and justice for all people and care for our Earth, I think of Kathy. She received a Faith In Action Award from the Greater Rochester Community of Churches for her outstanding volunteer service and her immense faith that was tirelessly put into action. She has left a great legacy and we will not forget her. I am grateful for knowing Kathy and I send my deepest sympathy and love to her family and friends.
Marie – Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your memories of Mom. Her spirit definitely lives on in those whose lives she touched.
Reply to Susan Porter – thank you for sharing your memories of Mom. We keep learning new things about her and her passions
Dear Family,
I knew Kathy only as Bob’s wife during the 1980s and early 1990s when he and I played tennis at the Tennis Club of Webster. After his death, I visited her to talk about him while touring her lovely, perennial gardens. I am so sorry to learn of her death and pray that all of you will always keep her love close.
Jackson “Jet” – Expressing much gratitude for your kind words. She was always gracious to everyone she met. We are glad to know that you were able to share your memories of Bob with her. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
I met Kathy and Bob when Pam and I moved in across the street from them, the end of 1996. And we could not have been more fortunate to have picked such wonderful neighborhood, because of people like them.
Kathy often commented how she was blessed to have us as neighbors, and my response was always the same — it’s a reflection of you…your kindness is contagious. After my knee surgery in 2003, it was bad that helped Pam clear our driveway when I couldn’t. Together, Bob and Kathy reenforced the groundwork of community support.
Kathy was such a caring and giving person, how could one resist not returning the love and kindness. Her gracious heart was a tremendous influence on us. It was an honor to help whenever and however we could. And important for her to know how much she was cared for. I have long since missed the summer chats, sitting in the lawn chairs in her driveway…and the banana breads, quiches, and soups she would make for me, as a sign of her appreciation.
Although this angel has departed, her kind spirit will forever live.
Maria, David, Tony, Jayme, and family, please accept my heartfelt sympathies.
And thank you for sharing Kathy with us.
Frank – Thank you so very much for your heartfelt condolences. The reciprocal nature of your friendship with Mom and Bob was truly a blessing. Especially after Bob passed, we all felt better knowing that there were good people close by who were looking out for Mom’s safety and well being. I know that I slept much better at night knowing this was the case! Sincere gratitude to you, Pam and Mike for the care and your presence in Mom’s life for years and years. We are so glad you were all able to see Mom on Christmas Day. She considered you family and her last holiday would not have been as wonderful for her without all of you. ❤️
365 days gone today, Mom – 52 weeks of Friday Mom days without you. I went to Webster today – sat in the car in the pouring rain looking at the lake. It was so very peaceful – I could feel you there with me. I had lunch at the Village Bakery – toasted cheese and tomato soup – delicious. No Abbott’s since it’s February but they had chocolate mint cookies at the Bakery so that was my dessert today. It was a day full of you and it was a good day. I miss you and I love you. ❤️