Kathleen C. Vlasaty, 88, of Bethlehem, passed away at her home, Monday, January 15, 2024, one day before her birthday. Born January 16, 1935, in Braddock, PA, she was a daughter of the late Phillip R. and Julia Vaskevich Smith. She was the beloved wife of Regis Vlasaty who passed away in November of 2022.

Kathleen led an interesting life filled with professional achievement, community involvement, social engagement, and devotion to family. As a young woman, Kathleen honorably served her country as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army. At that time, she received training at the Army Medical Service School with assignment to Martin Army Hospital in Georgia. Later, as a Registered Nurse, she embarked on a career in healthcare, first working for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center then, and for many years, the Bethlehem Health Bureau before moving on to duties at Gracedale and travel nursing. Her concern for others remained evident in her continuous advocacy and campaign efforts to end smoking. Known as a woman of practical sense and ambition, it was her altruistic ways that seemed to set her apart. Always willing to lend a hand to others, it is believed that she truly had a "heart of gold."

Throughout her life, Kathleen became proficient at balancing her time between professional endeavors and being a loving wife, homemaker and mother to her only child, son Robert. Her enjoyments in life were simple, and as time went on, she found the camaraderie of being with lifelong friends and playing cards valuable. Over the years, Kathleen belonged to multiple Bridge Clubs but her relationship with one special group of card players lasted for over 40 years.  Their monthly get togethers ended for Kathleen this past Thanksgiving.

She will be missed by all who came to know and love her; son, Robert Vlasaty and his wife Jaime; grandchildren, Austin (A.J.), Kyle, Emersyn and Hudson Vlasaty; her brother, Father Lawrence Smith of Pittsburgh, PA and her sister, Penelope Worth of Almond, NY; numerous colleagues and friends.

Kathleen was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church, 450 East Washington Avenue, Bethlehem, PA, 18017, where friends and relatives are invited to a Memorial Mass to be held, Thursday, January 25th at 11am. Interment will be held privately with the family at All Saints Braddock Catholic Cemetery, in Pittsburgh, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kathleen's name may be offered to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schmidt Funeral Home, PC, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth.