Kathleen Corrao

Kathleen Corrao, 93, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29th, 2024.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Kathleen was the second of five children to George and Mary (O’Dea) Georgeou. She spent her early childhood in Springfield before her family relocated to Paterson, New Jersey. Kathleen attended Eastside High School. Like many of her generation, Kathleen left school early to support her family, taking on various jobs before marrying the love of her life, Joseph Corrao.

Kathleen and Joseph’s love story began at a birthday party, during a game of spin the bottle. When Joe’s spin landed on Kathleen, he kissed her and declared to his friends, “I’ll be marrying that girl.” After a two-year courtship, they exchanged wedding vows on Sunday, April 27th, 1952, in a joyous ceremony surrounded by God, family and friends. Their 57 years of marriage was filled with love, laughter, and devotion until Joe’s passing in April 2009.

After their wedding, the couple settled in Passaic, later moving to Clifton and Glen Rock, where they purchased their first home. Eventually, they made Wayne their permanent residence, creating a warm and loving household that they cherished for decades.

Kathleen embraced her role as a homemaker, devoting herself to raising her two sons, Joseph Jr., and Robert. She poured all her love into her family, welcoming her boys home each day from school with a smile and memorable treats. Her son Joe fondly recalls her making Fluffernutter sandwiches with peanut butter served up with a glass of Orange Aid for him and his friends.

As her sons grew older and more independent, Kathleen returned to the workforce, finding fulfillment as a book packer for Dell Publishing in Pinebrook. Kathleen also expressed her love through cooking and baking, filling her home with the irresistible aromas of fresh chocolate chip cookies, seven-layer bars, and her beloved Italian Christmas cookies, including anisette and snowballs.

Known for her impeccable sense of style, Kathleen enjoyed shopping trips with her sister Helen. They would have their hair and nails done before venturing out to find the latest fashions. Kathleen and Joseph spent winters in Margate, Florida, where shopping was Kathleen’s preferred activity over beach outings.

Kathleen’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. A devoted parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne, she attended daily Mass for many years and regularly participated in Saturday Novenas in Paterson.

Family was Kathleen’s greatest joy. Holidays were especially dear to her, as they brought her loved ones together. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she created lasting memories with them through sleepovers, baking cookies, and feeding the horses carrots in her backyard. They remember her delicious chicken cutlets, served in the TV room while watching Judge Judy, Dancing with the Stars, or Wheel of Fortune. Kathleen loved taking them on adventures, whether to get their nails done or to create custom T-shirts at Wessel's Uniform Store in the Wayne Hills Mall, where she once worked part-time.

Kathleen was a gentle, soft-spoken, and fabulously loving woman who exuded kindness and grace. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for all who knew her.

Kathleen was the beloved wife of Joseph, blessed in marriage for 57 years. She was the most loving mother of Joseph T. Corrao, Jr. and wife Linda of Wayne, and Robert T. Corrao and wife Mila of Pompton Lakes; cherished grandmother of: Kevin T. and wife Pamela, Lauren and husband Antonio, Joseph T., III, Stephanie, and Roma and husband Giovanni; adored great-grandmother of: Enzo, Gino, and Stella; and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews. Kathleen was predeceased by her three sisters and one brother: Helen, Mary, George, and Barbara.

Kathleen’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her caregiver, Winsome “Winnie,” who gave her devoted love and care to Kathleen for over six years, forming a deep and precious bond.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen’s memory may be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959