SOUTHWICK – Kathleen Elizabeth (Kellogg) Molta, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and integral member of the local community passed away on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 at the age of 67. She was born and raised in Southwick, MA in July of 1955 by her father, the town’s longtime family practitioner, Dr. Theodore Kellogg, and her mother, Erma (Sandman) Kellogg. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Joseph F. Molta, Jr., on October 7th, 1978, whom she remained married to until her passing. Together, Joe and Kathy raised three boys, Jordan (39), Anthony (37), and Gavin (33). From a young age until old, Kathy was an avid skier, talented musician, skilled cake maker, arts and crafts enthusiast, and a naturally gifted athlete. After graduating Southwick High School third in her class, her sharp intellect and cunning sense of humor propelled her through a successful lifelong career in the legal industry, ultimately making her the longest tenured employee at the law firm of Holland & Bonzagni in Longmeadow before retiring in 2018. As the thread that tied her family together, she raised her sons to be scholar athletes, medical professionals, first responders, servicemembers, professional leaders, and devoted husbands and fathers. She supported her husband Joe in his 38-year career as a high school basketball coach and late-stage career change to become a successful small business owner in Westfield. She served as a Big Sister of America, volunteered at food shelters, and played the flute in local symphony orchestras during her free time, and was a regular blood donor for decades.
Kathy is survived by her husband Joe, her three sons Jordan, Anthony, and Gavin, their wives Allie, Hanna, and Kellie, her grandchildren Joey (Jordan and Allie), Dominic and Vinny (Gavin and Kellie), her brother Jeff Kellogg and his wife Kathy, her brother John Kellogg, her brother-in-law James “Kip” Fuller, and several nephews, nieces, and other extended family to include her brother-in-law Donald Molta, who served as a close confidant and trusted agent to her for as long as they knew each other. A true animal lover, she also leaves behind many pets as part of her family, including Tally, Elif, Bear, Kobe, Finlay, Meeko, and Maylee. She will also be missed by her lifelong best friends Joy Biggart and Betsy McLaughlin and their families, as well as the many close friends that made every extra effort to give her comfort and joy in her final years such as Cathy Woodman, Nancy Malkoon, Linda Roberts, and Barbara Wynns. She was always fond of her ski vacations with cousins Sal and Sue Gaioni and traveling to Italy with cousins Steve and Laura Cressotti. She was so thankful for all the support, cherished memories, and unforgettable moments with other cousins and family members, particularly Linda and Larry Molta-Tetrault. So many other people that saw her as the beating heart of the Molta family will dearly miss her selfless persona, devotion to others, and perfect blend of charisma and humility.
She is predeceased by her parents Theodore and Erma, her closest ally and soulmate sister Patti Fuller, her cousin Janice Camissa, and her sister-in-law Cathy Kellogg.
There will be no calling hours, but there will be a memorial mass at St. Mary’s Church in Westfield on Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at 12:00 Noon, and a gathering to celebrate her life afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project. (Those of you who may wish to send flowers, please send them directly to the funeral home).
The Molta family would like to thank the St. Mary’s Church and Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home for their help in making Saturday’s services possible.
forastierefuneralhome.com
