Kathleen Mary Staiano passed away peacefully on May 9, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Kathleen, or Kathie as she was most commonly known, was born on August 4, 1943 in West New York, NJ to Daniel and Florence Ferry. She graduated from St. Michael's High School in Union City, NJ in 1961 and began a career as a Secretary. In January, 1972, she married the love of her life, Andrew (Andy) Staiano, then a Captain in the United States Air Force stationed at Minot AFB, ND. Andy was transferred to Vandenberg AFB, CA where their two children, Andrew and Christopher, were born. Andy was transferred to Offutt AFB, NE in 1976 and Kathie became executive assistant to the president of Omaha Box Company. The family moved back to the beautiful Central Coast following Andy's retirement from the Air Force. After their return, Kathie was employed by Martin Marietta as executive assistant to the Program Manager at Space Launch Complex 6 during preparations for West Coast Space Shuttle operations until ill health forced her to retire in 1988. Kathie enjoyed volunteering at Andrew and Christopher's schools, crocheting, and being a second mom to her children's friends. She also enjoyed numerous family activities in their RV. Several years ago, Kathie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and, although she could no longer communicate verbally, she managed to convey her love for Andy and her children through her beautiful, expressive eyes. Kathie is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, two brothers, two sisters, five children (Kathleen, Tracey, William, Andrew, and Christopher), ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Andy would like to thank the staff of the Memory Unit at Meridian of Lompoc for their excellent care of Kathie for the past two years. Andrew and Christopher would also like to express their gratitude to the staff at Meridian for their excellent care of Andy, who would visit Kathie on a daily basis during her residency. Finally, the Staiano family appreciates the efforts of Hospice which did so much to comfort our beloved Kathie in preparing her for her final journey.