Katharine “Kathy” Severson McCosky, age 66, was surrounded by her family when she passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, after her battle with a rare cancer.

Kathy was born on February 11, 1959, in Madison, WI, to Willa and Loyal Severson. Kathy attended Madison East High School, graduating in 1977, and UW-Madison, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1982, before completing a Master of Science in Behavioral Disabilities in 1985. Kathy found a home in her first job out of college at McFarland High School as a Special Education Teacher. She worked there for the greater part of 30 years and was head of the department in her later years. Kathy found great joy and fulfillment as a teacher and believed everyone should become a teacher. She was a strong advocate for her students; they meant the world to her.

Kathy married Steve McCosky of Madison, WI, on June 23, 1990. Steve and Kathy settled in the Cherokee Park neighborhood and loved being part of such a close-knit neighborhood. Kathy loved participating in all the annual events, including the 4th of July parade, the Nibble and Mingle dinner, and the Easter Egg hunt. Kathy was Co-Chair of the Cherokee Park Neighborhood Association for a few years when they needed someone to fill in. At her children’s school just outside the neighborhood, Kathy was a frequent volunteer and served as the Co-President of the PTO at Gompers Elementary for a number of terms. Kathy, as a passionate supporter of the democratic process, also acted as an election official in our local voting district for many years. She was always willing to help out where she was needed.

Some of Kathy’s favorite things included good food, good company, and a good book. Kathy’s favorite books were To Kill a Mockingbird and anything written by Agatha Christie. Two Cherokee Park book clubs oriented much of Kathy’s reading lists over the years, and she loved having some wine and chatting about the books with her friends. Kathy and Steve loved to travel together, especially to locations in Europe and the Caribbean, where they could see the sights, soak up the sun, and eat amazing local cuisine.

Kathy is survived by her adoring husband, Steve; her children, Katelyn (John) McCosky Thompson, Kristin McCosky, and Ian McCosky; her siblings, Douglas Severson, Diane Severson, and Barbara (Jay) Perry; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Willa and Loyal; her sister and brother, Deborah and James Severson; and her parents-in-law, George and Janet McCosky.

Kathy will always be remembered for her unconditional kindness; her motto was “never underestimate the power of a kind word.” Kathy’s humor, altruistic nature, and her vivacious passion for life and learning were an inspiration to all who knew her. She had a joyful, energetic life full of love and laughter. She has gone too soon and is deeply missed.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Lakeview Lutheran Church at 4001 Mandrake Rd, Madison, WI. A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. A celebration of life will be held at the McCosky home following the service. Please dress for a celebration – she would’ve loved to see you in bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Neuroendocrine Tumors Research Foundation at https://netrf.org/get-involved/give-now/

To leave a memory and view her obituary, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave.

Katharine McCosky

February 11, 1959 - August 22, 2025

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