Kathleen L. Wessels

Kathleen L. Wessels, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025.

Born in Freeport, NY, she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and later earned her nursing degree from Queens General School of Nursing. She began her professional life as a nurse at Mercy Hospital, providing compassionate, hands-on care to patients. After starting her family, she stepped away from hospital work to be a devoted homemaker and mother, a role she embraced with the same dedication she brought to every part of her life.

Guided by her deep compassion for children and families, she returned to work at Little Flower Children’s Services, serving as a caseworker helping foster children find safe and loving homes. She later resumed her nursing career and rose to become the Head Nurse of the OB/GYN Department at Stony Brook University Hospital. She was known for her sense of duty and her ability to lead with confidence, kindness, and clinical excellence.

After her years in nursing leadership, she transitioned into the pharmaceutical field, beginning as a sales representative specializing in OB/GYN. Motivated by her passion for education and her desire to make a broader impact, she returned to school and advanced into the role of medical liaison, combining her clinical knowledge with communication, advocacy, and service. While working full time and raising a family, she earned her MBA from CW Post and her Ed.D. from Dowling College.

Her family was the heart of her world. She found joy in hosting holidays, cooking unforgettable meals, and creating a home where everyone felt welcomed and cared for. She had a natural gift for hospitality and a culinary talent that turned gatherings into lasting memories. She also loved to travel and was blessed to visit beautiful places around the world, moments she treasured deeply. Throughout her life, the nurse within her remained, shaping her compassion, generosity, and quiet devotion to helping others. Her legacy of love touched everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Laura, Robert (Nicole), and John (Carroll); her sisters Joan (Bob), Lorraine (Joe), and Susan (Ned); many nieces and nephews; her grandchildren Christian (Tanja), Noah, Jameson, Rachael, Amanda, Harry, Juliet, George, Cole, Emily, and Sophie; and her great-granddaughter, Lola.

She is also survived by her husband, Richard Cruz.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to her caregivers Lisa Barnes, Nashawn Frasier, Sharmaine Hernandez Figueroa, Nancy Shipley and Cherly Streacker for their loving support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York. Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York