Kathleen Ditterline

Kathleen Burgess (Kathy) Ditterline of Cicero and Chippewa Bay, NY passed away May 5, 2026 at St. Joseph's Health Hospital in Syracuse, NY of a broken heart.

Born in Liverpool, NY March 31, 1953 to Roger and June (Slater) Burgess, she attended Liverpool High School and the College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing while simultaneously raising her four boys and acting as a loving caregiver to her nieces. She served many years as a nurse, and then as a case manager employed by Crouse Hospital for close to 30 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years William (Bill) Ditterline. She is survived by her four sons – Michael (Laurie McConnell) of Denver, CO, Jeffrey of Rochester, NY, David (Shannon Donohue) of Eastwood, NY and Ryan (Kristin Schu) of Shamokin, PA; her four beloved grandchildren – Will and Drew Ditterline of Rochester, NY and Tessa and Owen Ditterline of Denver, CO; brother Roger (Cathyann Lautier) Burgess of Hendersonville, NC, and sister Mary (Skip Piazza) of Memphis, NY; brothers in law Jack (Susan Schick) Ditterline of Arden, NC and Tim Ditterline of Eastwood, NY, sister in law Sue Rizzo (John) of East Syracuse, NY, as well as her many cherished nieces and nephews and their children.

Her grandchildren were the lights of her life, and she lit up accordingly whenever they were near or photos of them were shared with her. She loved to putz around in her rock garden at The River as well as slowly, but surely, removing all weeds by hand throughout the extensive lawn there. She thouroughly enjoyed going for boat rides with her husband in the Thousand Islands. She never missed an opportunity to host holiday family gatherings and had become the matriarch of our large and loving family. Her apple pie crust was beyond compare; and if we can ever locate the recipe, it will be available upon request.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday May 14, from 3-6 pm followed by a service begining at 6 pm at Burns-Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 E. Genesee St. Syracuse 13224.