Katherine "Kathy" Perusi, 71, of Fredericksburg passed away on Wednesday December 5, 2018 at home, following a courageous year-long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Kathy was predeceased by her parents Cono and Helen Petitti and grandson Alex Melara.  She is survived by her beloved husband, of 50 years, Don Perusi; daughters, Christen Gallik (Stephen), Melissa Melara (Luis), Jennifer Patrick (Scott), Carolyn Waitt (Steve); brother, Edward Petitti; grandchildren Douglas, Benjamin, Matthew, Diego, Sofia, Jackson, Katherine and a great grandson Nicolas. Kathy was a parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church and member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Kathy was passionate in serving others.  She volunteered her time with the Thurman Brisben Center in Fredericksburg, Va., and joined her husband in prison ministry at Buckingham Correctional Center, Va.

Visitation will be held at Laurel Hill Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 from 6 pm to 8 pm, with the Rosary at 7:30 pm.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Wednesday December 12, 2018 at 11 am with Reverend John Ziegler, Pastor, officiating. The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Hematology/Oncology Associates Inc., Fredericksburg for their professional and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick Catholic School ( www.saintpatrickschoolva.org ) or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Pancan.org).