Kathleen (Kathy w/a "K") Pignotti passed away in her home on January 4, 2026 after 91 years of living a fierce, spunky, care-taker life.  Caring for others was not something she did – it was who she was.

Kathy was born on November 22, 1934 in Savanah, Georgia.  She graduated from the Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Georgia in 1951.  After working at the US Army/Fort Stuart in September1953, she married her first husband, Augustine (Augie) Patrick Pignotti (deceased in 1986). Together, they moved to Northern Virginia where they raised four children and she was the care taker for her 14-year-old brother and mother.

While raising her children, Kathy was known as one of the Holmes Run Acres "moms".  She opened her home to our childhood friends.  If it was time for dinner, she added an extra plate at the table… and never shied away from sharing her perspective and advice about any issue at-hand.  She volunteered countless hours contributing her natural leadership abilities with the PTA, Girl Scouts Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and swimming meet functions.  She was a trail-blazing soccer mom before being a soccer mom was cool.  At the same time, she went to college at night earning a degree in Early Childhood Education.  As her youngest child ended her elementary school years, she began working for the esteemed Fairfax County School System where she worked with special needs children and held other positions.  In 1976, at just 42 years old, Augie was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.  For the next ten years, Kathy single-handedly managed his care, ran the household, took on all the responsibilities of raising her last child and worked full-time, all this when there were no support systems in place for people impacted by this awful disease.

In 1988, Mom married Edwin Tate (deceased).  They traveled Europe including Greece and began to settle down into a fulfilling second-chance marriage for each of them.  During this time, Mom and Ed job-shared with the American Greeting Card Company.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, two of her grandchildren (Berna and Sean) needed help.  Mom, without blinking, rescued them and cared for them full time.  When most people were retiring, Mom, and Ed too, brought these children home and devoted their lives to providing a loving home for them.  Sean was a challenge since he is a non-highly functioning autistic person.  Till the day she passed, Sean and Mom lived together with her providing all of his care.  Can you imagine being in your 90's and still having the physical and mental ability to be THE caregiver?  She was very proud of her stamina and youthful appearance and loved to amaze people with the knowledge of her actual age.

That was Mom.  A real spit-fire who made an impression on everyone she met.  She was a confident and bold force who was not afraid to be unapologetically herself.  She cared about you regardless of what you did, where you were from or what you believed.  She noticed needs before they were spoken, showed up when it was inconvenient and gave even when she was tired.  Her love was practical, hands-on, and relentless.  Under her care, you were protected, fed, defended, and reminded that you mattered.  When she greeted you, she was a hugger…with a kiss to share too (COVID was the only thing that convinced her to only kiss on the cheek.  If you know.  You know!)  She was always the gracious southern hostess by making sure to have a little something to share during things like doctor's office visits and such.  There wasn't a place in town you could go without people knowing Mom and her beaming warm smile.  We grieve because her presence was so powerful.  We will miss her spunk, her strength and her care.  We will carry her with us every time we show up for someone else and every time we love fiercely.

"Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of your Lord."  Mathew 25.21

Kathy is survived by her four children: Patrick A. Pignotti (and extended family); Kathleen E. Molosky; Michael S. Pignotti (Barbara); and Lisa P. Caldwell (Roy (Sam)). And, her four grandchildren: Berna K. Pignotti; Sean P. Pignotti; Anna E.. Molosky; and Sarah J. Gregory.

Funeral service will be held 11:30 AM Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Jamestown United Methodist Church, 22 E. Washington Street, Jamestown, with Lloyd Runnet of Mineral, Virginia Presiding.  Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until the time of service at the church.  A casual graveside gathering will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032