Kathleen Cooper Vadala's Obituary
With profound sadness and overflowing love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Dr. Kathleen Cooper Vadala, who left us peacefully on June 20th, 2025 at the age of 75.
Born on June 7th, 1950 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Kathy was a woman of grace, quiet strength, and unwavering love. She devoted her life to her family, always putting others before herself, and found joy in the simple things—cooking a good meal, laughter around the dinner table, collaborating on music.
To know her was to feel loved. Her hands were rarely still—whether she was baking a delicious treat, playing the piano, or giving you a hug when you needed comfort. Her words were always meaningful, her smile could light up a room, and her embrace felt like home.
She was a devoted wife to her husband, Chris, a nurturing and proud mother to Nicole and Juliana, and a treasured grandmother to her brand new granddaughter, Ilaria.
She taught us patience, kindness, and the power of unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the way we treat one another, in the family traditions she built, in the quiet strength we carry forward, and most importantly, in the celebration and sharing of music.
Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every moment we shared. We will miss her every day and honor her memory for the rest of our lives.
Her celebration of her life will be held privately, and at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Christopher Vadala Memorial Scholarship Fund at The University of Maryland School of Music, in her memory.
What’s your fondest memory of Kathleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathleen?
Share a story where Kathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathleen you’ll never forget.
How did Kathleen make you smile?