Kathleen “Kathy” Dawn Placilla, née Moffett, 72, resident of Urbanna, passed from this life on Thursday, March 18, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19.
Kathy, originally from East Norwich, N.Y., is survived by her husband of 49 years and best friend, Melford Placilla of Urbanna; her daughters, Christina and Kelly; and her grandchildren, Colleen and Gabriel.
Hailing from a large Irish family, Kathy is also survived by her sister, Eileen (Warren) Heath; brothers and sisters in-law William (Dehbra) Placilla, Connie (Michael) Altieri, Nancy Moffett, Charlotte Placilla, and Timothy (Margaret) Placilla. Her numerous nieces and nephews include Danielle DeFalco, Justin Placilla, Heather Wilder, Sarah Harris, Megan Moffett, Marlo Ransdell, Benjamin Placilla, Clint Edwards, William Moffett, Ryan Hastings, Kaitlin Moffett, Blair Heath, Stephanie Peterson, Kevin Placilla, Caroline Lane, and Thomas Placilla.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Thelma Moffett; and her siblings, Michael Moffett, Peter Moffett, and Colleen Noe.
A life-long educator, Kathy graduated from Saint Dominic’s High School (Class of 1967) in Oyster Bay, N.Y. She attended both Nassau Community College and the State University of New York, Brockport, graduating in 1971 with a degree in English. She completed post-baccalaureate coursework at both the University of Texas, Pan American and at California State University, Long Beach.
A tennis coach and English teacher throughout her career, she began her career at Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, N.Y., where she taught English. She was the tennis coach and an ELD (English Language Development) teacher at McAllen Memorial High School in McAllen, Texas for eight years. She then taught English Literature and Writing at Fullerton High School in Fullerton, Calif. for 21 years. After her retirement, she continued to volunteer coach local high school tennis teams at both Fullerton High School and Middlesex High School in Saluda.
Kathy’s students have incredible memories of her always challenging them to do their best, persevere, and push their limits to achieve their dreams. A champion of her students’ success, Kathy set up an empty board in her classroom for her seniors to display their college acceptance letters, and by the end of the school year, the board was full. On the last day of school, she would read to her senior class the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” with many of the students in tears as they exited the classroom realizing how much she had impacted their growth. She inspired many to pursue education as a calling, including her daughter, Chrissie.
Kathy was an avid hockey enthusiast, supporting her beloved Ducks of Anaheim from their very first season — even in the worst years for the team. She enjoyed playing tennis weekly, skiing when the snow hit the slopes, and jet skiing and playing in the water at the “rivah.” A dog lover, she is also survived by her rambunctious canine companions, Lambeau and Selanne, whom she shared with her husband and daughter Kelly. She will be remembered for her warm and compassionate spirit, her generosity, her sarcastic wit and eye rolls, and her love for her family. Kathy was always able to find the best bargain, and taught that skill to her children, nieces and nephews, and was the aunt that taught everyone how to drive a stick shift in the Orange County hills in her beloved Mazda Miata with the top down.
Due to the current pandemic situation, a private funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 24. However, for friends and family that are not able to attend, the service will be live streamed. Please click on the link at rvav.com/memorial-services just prior to 11 a.m. to join the service. A public service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be offered for friends and family during summer 2021 with details to be released at a later date.
Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel in Saluda, is assisting the family with arrangements.
