Kathryn L. Martinoli

Kathryn L. (Loftus) Martinoli, 72, of Downingtown, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2022 at her residence.

Born in Philadelphia, Kathryn was the daughter of the late Dr. Thomas M. and Margaret B. (Branningan) Loftus. She was the wife of John J. Martinoli. The couple shared 50 years of marriage and many great adventures (Hong Kong, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Pawley’s Island, the Marine Corps).

Kathryn graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Flourtown, Class of 1968. She Studied at Villanova University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education (1972), and her Master’s Degree in Library Science (1975). She also earned an additional 60 credits post-Masters.

Kathryn taught 6th grade in Maysville Elementary School in North Carolina, taught in the library at Scenic Heights Elementary School in Pensacola, Florida, taught 6th grade at St Cecelia Elementary school in Fox Chase, Pennsylvania and taught in libraries in the Downingtown School District for 26 years including Uwchlan Hills Elementary School, Bradford Heights Elementary School and Downingtown Middle School. During her time in the Downingtown School District, she read in an inordinate number of books so she could pair a student up with the perfect read, shared countless scary stories for her library classes every Halloween, and froze her butt off on bus duty. Kathryn was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Downingtown.

A little known talent of Kathryn’s was her intimate knowledge of the emergency procedures for the T-34C aircraft, which was the first aircraft her husband flew in flight school, where she drilled him every night on the procedures he had to memorize for the following day’s flight.

During her time with us all, she made and kept friends for life. She loved being with her family and friends, taking a genuine interest in how you were and what you had been doing. She relished in your achievements. She was always willing to lend an ear - contributing “pearls of wisdom” and tips on etiquette (thanks Emily Post!) when warranted – leaving you confident you could carry the day. While she will be greatly missed, she will appreciate being remembered any time you gather with a friend, dip your toes in the ocean, read a good book, or enjoy a piece of dark chocolate.

In addition to her husband, Kathryn is survived by

Her Children:

John D. Martinoli, husband of Joanne, of Downingtown. John has a love of reading due to a few too many visits to “time out” while growing up.

Susan M. (Martinoli) Kenney, wife of Joseph, of Media. Susan can make a mean batch of cookies and fold sheets like no one’s business thanks to her mom’s secrets.

Thomas Dion, husband of Rachel, of Charleston, SC

Her Grandchildren:

Zachary Martinoli, Tyler Martinoli, James Kenney, Nora Kenney, Ava Dion, and Mia Dion. She loved to watch their exploits in soccer, track, baseball, softball, swimming and gymnastics.

Her Siblings:

Thomas M. Loftus, husband of Olga, John A. Loftus, husband of Sherry, and Anne B. Nelson, wife of William.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 5-7 PM at James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown. A second Visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 9:45-10:45 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 332 Manor Ave., Downingtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM at the church. Interment will take place at Quantico National Cemetery upon the death of her husband John.

In the spirit of Kathy’s pragmatism and generosity, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Abramson Cancer Center or GBM Foundation.