Katherine Mary Larosa

Katherine was born July 14, 1953 and passed away, peacefully in her sleep, on Tuesday May 16, 2017 at her home in Escondido, CA. She was originally from Chicago, Illinois where she was born and raised by her parents the late George T. Zabilka and Mildred M. (Bouma) Zabilka. She attended Gage Park High School until 1971.

Kathy was a sweet, quiet and trusting soul. She often reminisced about growing up in Chicago and the friends she made in the "old" neighborhood. In 1972 she gave birth to her only child, Michael James. She moved to California in 1986 an married James Larosa in 1990. She spent her days with her husband advocating for homeless people in San Diego. She cared for people and loved her friends and family especially her dog, Mutley.

Katherine is survived by son Michael Gray (Denise) grandchildren, Courtney, Avery, Katie, Lauren, Michael Jr., and Mitchell. Brother Frank Zabilka (Lynn) niece Therese Systma (Adam) great-nephews Noah and Nicholas; niece Dawn Daujatas (Darren) great-niece Olivia.
Katherine's surviving nieces and nephews from her late siblings; Albert Zabilka (Judy) niece Michelle Smith (Scott) great-nephews Zachary and Ben; nephew Joe (Jessica) great-nieces Alyssa and Alexis, great-nephew Joe; nephew James (Jessica) great-nephews Tyler and Jason; nephew Carl (Julia) great-niece Amber
George Zabilka (Linda) nephews, Paul, Peter, Philip, David and Ryan; Georgette Zabilka, Hilla, great-niece Jennifer Hilla.
Her dear friends will miss her as she touched the lives of many, especially, Dorothy Barrett, Cheryl Paster, Mikki, and all the residents of the Interfaith Community.

Those loved ones that preceded Katherine in death were her Grandparents, Justina and Francis Bouma, her parents Mildred M. and George Zabilka, her sister Georgette Hilla and her brothers Albert Zabilka and George Zabilka.

Katherine was an advocate for homeless people and the care of homeless animals. If you would like to make a charitable contribution in memory of Katherine, please refer to the organization listed on this website.

We are in the process of arrangements, due to the distance and travel necessary, we will have service times and details at a later date. Please refer to this site for information after June 20, 2017.