Katherine Penello Jeffcoat

Katherine Pennello Jeffcoat, 62, passed away August 9 in her home in loving arms after a valiant fight against cancer. Born June 5, 1959 in Norfolk,  she was the youngest daughter of the late Julian and Shirley Pennello. She was a graduate  of Maury High School and the Reporting Academy of Virginia.

A spitfire from the instant she was born, her daddy often  called her a pistol.  Kathi effortlessly eased into the role of family matriarch in her twenties and always with a youthful exuberance that was her trademark. Her family, home, and career were her constant focci along with wonderful travel. Ever a  remarkable mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend, who knew what was important in a life well lived, she was an inspiration to those who witnessed her fervor. To family and friends, she extended herself above and beyond. She never faced a problem or crisis she could not solve.
A proficient court reporter, she transitioned to a challenging career she loved with the Norfolk Police Department Detective Division  for many years as an office administrator and stenographic reporter. She enjoyed retirement for nine years before her cancer diagnosis in 2019.  Warrior that she was in the many facets of life, just months before her untimely passing she created a sweet wedding for her daughter Caitlin and new son-in-law Logan. Her final birthday was a family affair that she was able to actively enjoy.
She was a lifelong member of Christ the King Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic minister.
She was predeceased by her parents and her husband William C Jeffcoat, III. She is survived by her daughter Caitlin Jeffcoat Burch (Logan), stepson John Jeffcoat (Jennifer), sister Marguerite Pennello, brothers Anthony and Thomas Pennello, grandchildren William and Annabel Jeffcoat, cousins Caroline Ternes, John P. Groneman (Christine) sister-in-law Patricia Laird (Barry) , sister-in-law Carole Laird (Randy), and many other cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 21 at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church. Due to heightened covid recommendations masks are required.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 1803 Columbia Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23509.
Katherine’s family wishes to acknowledge their eternal appreciation of friends and family who reached out endlessly to Kathy over the past two years. Beginning with trips to UNC Chapel Hill, local surgical and oncology appointments, chemo sessions, hydration sessions, PET scans, horrific ER internments, hospital stays, painful days when there was no relief as she chose to remain as lucid as her suffering would allow and bc demands of living and responsibility offer no respite to the dying.
Blessedly interspersed amid the cruel madness of cancer were memorable moments forever golden.

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