Obituary of Mary Katherine Zeh

It is with a heavy heart that the Zeh Family announces the passing of Mary Katherine (Kathy) Zeh on December 31, 2019, at the age of 78. Born in Cedar Hill on the Hudson (Albany) on September 23, 1941, she was the daughter of the late John C. Van Oostenbrugge and Mary Elizabeth (Lyon) Van Oostenbrugge. Kathy devoted most of her life raising and coaching her four children. Later in life, she worked in the medical field. She will be remembered for her love of family and especially for her children and grandchildren. Through her compassion and generosity, she provided a haven for her family members to flourish. Kathy found pleasure in life through her birdwatching and walks in nature where she sought peace and solitude with family and friends. In her youth, she loved to travel, worshipped the sun, and used her terrific wit and humor to carry the family through good times and bad. Later in life, Kathy enjoyed her time spent with grandchildren where she reveled in the joy of family gatherings. She always kept in touch with her close lifelong friends who she cherished. She also loved her pets, caring for the neighborhood cats and spending many hours enjoying wildlife from the comfort of her screened in porch. Kathy was predeceased by her parents and her mother (NaNa) Betty's life long friend James (Mac) McCarthy, her close cousin Lisa (Lyon) Evans, and her great aunt Helen (HaHa) Jugelt. She is survived by her children, Gary (Sandra Zeh), Peter (Brenda Zeh), Christopher, and Jennifer. She is also survived by her sibling Jean Lyon Langdon, and several Lyon family cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition, Kathy was the matriarch of eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Kathy was the rock that kept these children going with her time and love, as well as with her grace, beauty and understated manner which will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her. In recognition and farewell to Kathy, a memorial service for friends and family will be held on Saturday, May 2nd in Thacher State Park at the Glen Doone pavilion and overlook from 11am to 2pm, rain or shine. We'd like to extend a very big thank you to everyone for your kind words and sympathy over the past few weeks. Please come celebrate Kathie and her life at an informal gathering in the outdoor setting she so dearly cherished (tent, heat, and some of Mom's favorite foods will be on hand). To share a memory, photo or express condolences to the family, please use the Tribute Wall tab. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Kathy may do so through contributions to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204. The Zeh Family acknowledges and sends their deep thanks and a message of gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at the Pulmonary and Cardiology Units at St. Peter’s Hospital, and to the staff at Atria Delmar Place and Daughters of Sarah for their sincere and helpful guidance.