Mrs. Kathy Ann Vaczi

Katherine “Kathy” Vaczi (nee Schwan), 81, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home with full view of her backyard gardens on a sunlit afternoon. While confined and seated in a wheelchair one month shy of 58 years, the Paulsboro native stood tall among the many people she taught, worked with and met along her life journey. Kathy touched the lives of the many people she met in many different ways and was equally touched by everyone she met. Plans for the 1962 Paulsboro High School graduate to become a teacher took a major detour when she was a passenger in a car accident on her way to Glassboro State College (GSC/now Rowan University) in 1965. The single mother of two young daughters was left paralyzed from a spinal cord injury at the age of 23. Fueled by her faith, family and friends, Kathy returned to GSC in a manual wheelchair, received the college’s Courage in Adversity medallion award, and graduated with honors and a bachelor’s degree in 1969. GSC president announced that since Kathy proved that a seriously handicapped student could perform with great self-sufficiency another handicapped individual would be enrolled at the college. He also said ramps and other convenient features may be installed in campus buildings for the benefit of future handicapped students. Kathy powered forward and continued to challenge her limitations. In 1970, she drove her Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight up Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. By accomplishing this major feat, she earned “A Master of the Mountain” certificate that proved symbolic of the many challenges she was destined to face from relearning how to swim without the use of her legs at the Gloucester County YMCA to working as a teacher for 25 years. One of the greatest chapters in Kathy’s life was teaching elementary students at South Harrison Elementary School. She taught second grade for 18 years and alternated between third and fourth grades for seven years. Another major chapter for Kathy was designing, building and moving into her custom, wheelchair accessible home in East Greenwich Twp. where she lived independently for the last 43 years. In 1995, Kathy retired from teaching and rechanneled her energy into expanding her gardens and volunteering. She served on numerous county and state committees, including Gloucester County’s Disabilities Advisory Council, Human Services Advisory Commission, and Volunteer Center and its fundraising committee for A Taste of Gloucester County. She also was a member of the YMCA Aquatics Committee and Rowan University’s Teacher Advisory Council. As both a participant and advocate for the statewide Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP), Kathy served as PASP Consumer Advisory Council vice chairperson. She drove regularly to Trenton to work on legislation to expand and fund the program that helps individuals with disabilities attend college, continue employment, and stay active in the community. From teaching Sunday School at Billingsport United Methodist Church in the 1970s to receiving the Gloucester County Woman of the Year Achievement award in 2003, Kathy wore many hats and championed many causes. She enjoyed going to family celebrations, attending concerts and sporting events for her grandchildren, visiting with friends and neighbors, reconnecting with classmates and former students, shopping, cooking and entertaining. Over the decades, her life story has appeared in books, magazines, and newspapers. On Oct. 31, 2022, The Philadelphia Inquirer featured Kathy in an article that describes how her story helps give voice to an ongoing class action lawsuit representing more than six million other disabled Americans who are being denied access to their lifesaving home health care benefits under Medicare law. Kathy’s zest for living never faltered even when challenged by health issues. Her story ends in victory and with heartfelt appreciation for the village of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, aides, advocates, family members, colleagues, prayer warriors, caregivers, pen pals, friends, and neighbors who saw and embraced her for her ability and helped her thrive in her home up until she passed away. She is survived by her daughters Kathy (Michael) Shawaryn and Laura Hance; grandchildren, Kaitlynn and Michael T. (Emily) Shawaryn; grand pets Bella, Nupie and Brutus; cousins, nephews and nieces; Georgia, Rico and many other dear friends. Kathy is predeceased by her brother, Alexander Jr. (Barbara); and sister, Doral Kay Link (Fred). Private funeral services were arranged by McBride-Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. In honor of Kathy’s memory and a life well lived and loved, individuals are encouraged to plant and nurture the seed of kindness in their garden of life to make the world a better place. Contributions also may be sent to the Pegasus Education Foundation, 662 N. Delaware St., Paulsboro, N.J. 08066 or Center for Medicare Advocacy, P.O. Box 350, Willimantic, CT 06226. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

Mrs. Kathy Ann Vaczi

October 15, 1941 - January 12, 2023