Katherine Dick Vicari

Throughout her illness, Kathy showed the same determination that defined her life - she was a fighter who refused to give up easily.

Kathy is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years, John Richard Vicari, Jr., whom she missed immensely; her parents, Oswald E. Dick and Ellen Baggott Dick; and her mother, Marian Dick LaRosa, and Marian's husband, Paul LaRosa.

She is survived by her children, whom she adored, John Richard Vicari, III (Teresa) and Julie Ann Vicari; her cherished granddaughter, Kylie Renee Vicari and her beloved dog, Ozzie. She is also survived by her sisters, Marian LaRosa Marie (Jack) and Ellen LaRosa Schlueter (Teddy); her brothers, Paul LaRosa, Jr. (Donna) and Fritz LaRosa (Kim); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom she loved dearly.

Kathy grew up in the Irish Channel. She was a proud graduate of Redemptorist High School and Soule’ College in New Orleans.

Kathy had a kind heart. She was a dependable, solid presence for her family and friends and always found tremendous joy in being an active part of their lives. She was always there through the good times and the bad, frequently showing up to support her children before she was even asked.

She loved attending family gatherings and parties (especially if a costume was required), celebrating loved ones’ milestones, puzzles, reading books and volunteering to help veterans, dogs, and assisting those in need. She was a proud breast cancer survivor and Cancer Crusader honoree who gave her time freely by participating in walks, fundraisers and other events to raise money for breast cancer research.

Kathy will be remembered for the love she showed even when she herself was suffering, her silly sense of humor, her laugh, her hugs, and her inquisitive nature. Her family will miss the daily routines: hearing her say "be careful", talking about their favorite TV shows, listening to her stories about the senior center, daily phone calls and always looking for the next best restaurant.

Her daughter was honored to take care of her until her final day. She is no longer suffering and is now reunited in heaven with her husband.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, June 6th at St. Rita Catholic Church, 7100 Jefferson Hwy. in Harahan. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am followed by mass at Noon. Interment will be private at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held after mass at the VFW Hall #3267, 1133 Hickory Ave. in Harahan from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm.