Kathleen (Kathy) Raab Saurman – dedicated wife, mother of five, and friend of many – passed away on February 26, 2023 at the age of 89 at Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, NY.
Kathy was born to Charles and Margaret Raab in Spring Lake, NJ. She graduated from Chestnut Hill College with a BS in chemistry. Shortly after starting her career as a chemist, she met the love of her life, Frank Saurman, on a blind date and they spent 65 wonderful years together.
She is survived by her three children: Michele Bellso Buckingham of Cicero, NY (husband Jim and daughter Julianna), Beth Thompson of Falls Church, VA (husband Dean), and Thomas Saurman of Arlington, VA (wife Cynthia and daughter Zhara}; as well as her brother Richard Raab and sister Gretchen Raab and many nieces and nephews.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Margaret Raab, her brothers Bill and George, and her daughters Mary Beth and Patricia.
Frank and Kathy retired to Lake Monticello in Virginia where they enjoyed 30 incredible years. She enjoyed spending time with family, celebrating holidays, reading, playing bridge – or any card game, taking multiple cruises, and traveling with her husband and friends. She had a wicked sense of humor and loved to entertain. Kathy and Frank recently moved from Virginia to Syracuse to be closer to their daughter Michele. They were living at The Hearth at Greenpoint.
Everyone who knew Kathy felt her big heart and giving nature. Kathy loved her family dearly. Her children were the light of her life and her relationship with her husband was cherished. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She touched the lives of so many people. She will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Calling hours will be at the Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral Home (3401 Vickery Rd, Syracuse, NY 13212) on Thursday, March 2 from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., with services immediately following.
