Katherine "Aunt Katie" Caronia, 96, of Columbus Park in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 16, 2025.

Services for Katie will be held on Monday, December 22, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Katie was born on April 27, 1929, to her parents John and Rosa Bruno, who immigrated from Sicily. She was raised along with her siblings in the Northeast neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Northeast High School in 1947.

Katie married her beloved husband Joseph Caronia on November 22,1950 at Assumption Catholic Church and together they had two beautiful children. For 57 years, Katie and her husband Joe built a life centered on family and enduring love.

Katie was the heart of an extended family spanning generations of siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many more. She was devoted to her family above all else and showed her love in the way she knew best—by opening her home and her heart. For over 50 years, she faithfully hosted Sunday meals, welcoming family and friends around her kitchen table for basta. Those Sundays became cherished traditions, filled with laughter, stories, and the unmistakable comfort of being together.

Through her love and loyalty, she taught countless family members the importance of staying connected and taking pride in their Italian heritage. Her kitchen was a place of nourishment not just for the body, but for the soul, and her home was always open to those she loved. Katie was known for her directness and candor—never one to sugarcoat the truth. She believed honesty was a form of care, and if she told you exactly what she thought (whether you were ready to hear it or not), it was simply her way of showing love.

In addition to her devotion to family, Katie knew how to enjoy life. She loved spending time at the casino, always determined to try her luck at the slots. She was a passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan, cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm. Win or lose, she remained loyal to her team, just as she was to the people she loved.

Katie's legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the values she passed down. She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, honesty, and the unwavering love she gave to her family.

Katie was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Caronia; her parents, John and Rosa Bruno; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joseph and Antonia "Victoria" Caronia; siblings, Joseph Bruno (Clara), Anthony "Tony" Bruno (Clara), and Virginia Hogberg; sister-in-law, Angela Malony (John), and brother-in-law, Peter Caronia (Ruth Mary); nephews, Anthony Bruno and Michael Malony; and, niece, Ashley Sacco Picard.

She is survived by her children, daughter and son-in-law Toni and Michael Brouse, and son and daughter-in-law Joe and Cindy Caronia; her grandchildren, Angela Tsevis and husband Nick, and Toni Rose Caronia and fiancé Chris James; great-grandson, Leo Tsevis; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her dearly.

Pallbearers are Parker Bender, Joe Brancato, Vinny Bruno, Adam McMichael, Brad Picard, Anthony "Tony Mike" Sacco, Joey Sacco III, and Sammy Sacco.