Kathleen A. Nastase

NASTASE---Kathleen Anne (Schrift), 70, Woodbury, PA, passed away on January 21, 2020 at home following a lengthy illness. Born December 4, 1949, in Johnstown, daughter of Leonard and Mary Louise (Tully) Schrift. Preceded in death by parents; sister, Mary Suzanne Lawton; brother, Martin Schrift; and nephews, Curtis and Donald Headrick. Kathleen is survived by her loving husband, Gary Nastase; sister, Cynthia (Sean) Skiles; brother, Donald Schrift; brother-in-law, Douglas Lawton; 3 step-children, Leanna (Jahan) Tabatabaie; Jonathan Nastase and Gregory Nastasi (Tiffany Hollingsworth); 6 grandchildren, David, Jade, Lexus, Rose, Gharemon and Sterling; nieces and nephews, Beth, Riana, Brandon, Ryan, Blaise and Matthew; great-nephew, Brydon and great-niece, Chrysa. All of her family brought so much joy into her life. Kathleen was a 1967 graduate of Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg and a 1969 graduate of Cambria-Rose Business College in Johnstown. She worked as an Executive Secretary for many years at various locations before retiring from the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Ebensburg in 2009. She loved music and was a former member of the Johnstown Symphony Chorus. She believed in looking on the bright side of life, helping others in need and enjoyed being a second mother to many over the years. She enjoyed attending concerts, cooking for family gatherings, flower gardening, bird watching, reading and spending time with her husband and close friends. She was very close to her sister, Cindy, whom she loved very much. Everyone who knew Kathleen was blessed to have her in their lives. Special thanks to friends Patty Eppley and Cindy Hess for all of the special things that they did and to our neighbor and friend, Sharon Graybill for her many kindnesses and for her visits to Kathleen. Many special thanks to Dr. Adam Brufsky and staff at UPMC Magee Women’s Cancer Center in Pittsburgh for their many years of care and also special thanks to Dr. Peter Gerszten and staff at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, Dr. O Okusanya and staff at Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh and to Dr. Jack Schocker and staff at Hillman Cancer Center in Altoona. The family would also like to thank UPMC Home Health (Kaitlin Grimes) and Bedford Family Hospice (Stacey, Theresa, Christa, Jada and Jamie) for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice or to her favorite organization, METAvivor Research and Support Inc. (metavivor.org), 1783 Forest Drive #184, Annapolis, MD 21401, where 100% of your donations will he used solely towards funding grants for Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer research. Approximately only 7% of all monies currently being raised for breast cancer research end up being funneled towards research to cure stage 4, the only stage that causes death. There will be no viewing or service. Arrangements are being handled by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Johnstown, PA 15904. Interment, Richland Cemetery, Johnstown. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.