Age 74, passed away suddenly Saturday, May 2, 2026 at her home in Newark, DE. Kathy was born October 23, 1951 to Marjorie and Kenneth Fahnestock. She graduated from Avon Grove High School and was a lifelong learner; earning a Bachelors Degree in Nursing, and two Masters Degrees in Human Resources and Nursing from Wilmington University and Wesley College.

She worked at Wilmington General Hospital and later at Christiana Hospital for over 40 years until her retirement as a Nurse Educator in 2020.  After retirement, she continued to serve as an Adjunct Professor for the Masters Level Nursing Leadership Program at Wilmington University, helping to develop the next generation of nurses.  She enjoyed traveling, bicycling, and spending time with her family and friends; and especially with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Dennis Cook and wife Karen along with her beloved grandchildren, Benjamin, Elliot, and Kayla of Hockessin, DE; her partner, Dale Lofthouse of Rising Sun, MD; her siblings, Linda Amsel and husband, Rick of Bear, DE, Susan Monroe of Socorro, NM, Kenneth Fahnestock and wife, Karen of Dover, DE, Thomas Fahnestock and wife, Nicole of Cherry Hill, NJ; and by numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

Interment will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Heart Association at American Heart Association P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.