Catherine "Kate" Marie (Verrastro) Gavern of Scranton, PA, died peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA surrounded by family. She was the beloved wife for 68 years of Joseph "Joe" Gavern who predeceased her in 2020.

Born in Dunmore, PA on August 17, 1922, Kate was the oldest child of the late Dominick and Vita Grace (Bochicchio) Verrastro. She grew up in Dunmore and when she was not attending school Kate helped her mother raise her seven younger siblings. Her care for her siblings extend into their adult years. Five of her six brothers served in World War II and she wrote each of them letters of support on a weekly basis. She was a devout Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of St. Anthony's Church in Dunmore. In 1950 she was married to Joe and they raised their children Cheryl, Joseph and Denise in South Scranton. Besides her faith, Kate devoted her life to her family. She was the central figure in her children's lives and set a wonderful example by providing sound advice and showing unconditional love.

Outside of her family life, Kate was an active member of St. Anthony's. In her younger years, she was President of the Catholic Daughters and an active member of the Sodality of our Lady. She also was a member of the Red Hat Society, The Young at Heart Club, The Hilltop Belles and the Dunmore Senior Citizens Organization. She took great joy in helping others through her volunteer work.

One of Kate's favorite hobbies was cooking and one of the many highlights involved cooking Christmas dinner for the family. She did this lovingly into her mid 90's. This involved countless hours of preparation, cooking and cleanup. Her favorites were homemade cappelletti, ravioli and a variety of Italian Christmas cookies. She would make hundreds of them for her family to enjoy. When she was wasn't cooking, she enjoyed quilting, knitting and crocheting while watching her favorite team, the New York Yankees with her late husband Joe. In her later years, she relished singing to her great grandchildren, Madeleine and Grayson who she adored. Kate's sense of humor was always on display. She felt it important to be able to laugh at oneself to keep life in perspective. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading biographies and subjects related to health and nutrition. It certainly paid off as she lived to almost 101!

To all that knew her, Kate always offered a helping hand. She had an extensive prayer list which she updated daily, adding new names of friends and family. She had a calming manner and strong spirit that brought comfort to others even in the most difficult times. Throughout her life Kate provided all who knew her, lessons in strength, perseverance, unselfishness and love.

Kate was the loving mother of Cheryl Lewis and her husband Scott and their child Jennifer Lewis and her wife Georgeann; Joseph Gavern and his wife Yoko: and Denise McNamara and her husband Thomas and her stepchildren Peter McNamara and his wife Hayley, Sarah Wetegrove and her husband Nick, and Henry McNamara and his wife Laura. Kate was the loving great grandmother of Madeleine and Grayson Lewis and step great grandmother to Sloane Wetegrove, Cooper, Crosby and Wade McNamara. She also had many nieces and nephews. Kate is the sister of Donato "Coach" Verrastro, Dominick "DeDe" and his wife Dorry. Kate's brothers Canio, Leonard, Patrick and Salvatore Verrastro along with her sister Marie Sileo, predeceased her.

Prior to the funeral mass on Monday, July 3, 2023, relatives and friends may call from 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM at Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, 318 East Drinker Street in Dunmore. All are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 9:30 AM at Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish, 303 Smith Street Dunmore and burial will follow at St. Catherine's cemetery in Moscow, PA , 1252 Drinker Turnpike, Covington Township, Moscow, PA.

Her family wishes to acknowledge Care Dimensions Hospice and the many caregivers who attended to her for their support and compassionate care during Kate's final months and years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .

Local arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, MA.