In Loving Memory of
Kathleen “Kathy” Platsky passed away peacefully in her Woodstock home on Sunday night, May 18. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Michael Platsky; her sons, Jerry Ruebens and Larry Mangum; her daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Dan Romano; and her cherished granddaughters, Lily and Mazie Romano, who brought her endless pride and joy. Kathy’s greatest passion in life was her family—being a mother was her truest calling, and becoming a grandmother brought her heart more happiness than words can express.
Kathy is also mourned by her siblings—Ronald, Steven, David, and June—who grieve the loss of their oldest sister, along with their families. Her many nieces and nephews will always remember her as their “crazy Aunt Kathy,” a title she wore with pride and humor. Her extended family included the McDonalds—Rebecca, Sarah, and Tom—and the McKiernans, especially Krista, who lovingly called Kathy her “second mom.”
Kathy reinvented herself many times over her 71years. She was a free spirit who blazed her own trail, beginning as a teenage runaway who found a home in Greenwich Village in the late sixties. There, she worked in coffee houses and nightclubs—her favorite being the legendary Café Wha—immersing herself in the music and energy of the time.
Woodstock had long been a special place for Kathy, and in 1997 she made it her permanent home. Guided by her profound compassion and care for others she began working as a home health aide specializing in elder care. Her gift for helping families navigate the most vulnerable moments of life touched many in the community.
Kathy had a deep knowledge of both traditional and holistic medicine and was a tireless advocate for healing in all its forms. She joined the Woodstock Rescue Squad Company 5, where her dedication and leadership led her to serve as First Lieutenant and eventually as President for two terms. She found purpose and kinship among her fellow squad members and believed deeply in the rescue squad’s spirit of service and unity.
A lover of poetry, visual art, music, and dance, Kathy was a vibrant soul who lived life with intention and heart. There was always a book nearby, and she brought creativity and curiosity into everything she did. She was a giver and a doer—the kind of person who stepped up when something needed to be done and gave freely of her time, energy, and love.
We invite all those who were touched by Kathy’s generous spirit to join us in celebrating her extraordinary life at The Colony Woodstock on Tuesday, June 17, from 4–9 p.m. Kathy gave so much to the town she called home, and we look forward to honoring her with a gathering full of stories, music, dancing, and love—the way she would have wanted.
Join the family! 
