Kathryn 'Kathy' Gerletti passed away peacefully on January 5, 2016 after suffering a stroke on December 28, 2015. Kathy would have celebrated her 61st birthday March 4. Kathy and her twin brother, David, were born in New York on March 4, 1955 and moved to California shortly thereafter when their father accepted a teaching position at the University of Southern California.

The family kept their South Pasadena craftsman home for over 55 years which, during that time, Kathy and her family had the rare opportunity to live in Pakistan from 1960-1965, when her father accepted tours of service abroad working for the Agency for International Development. As a result, Kathy traveled around the world twice gaining exposure to international cultures and lifestyles few of us ever experience. When Kathy returned to South Pasadena, she jumped into school activities with a dedicated passionate drive. Her leadership was evident by the positions she held throughout her school years, involving student government, team sports, cheerleading, and service organizations.

Kathy moved to Northern California in 1973 when she was accepted to Sonoma State University, eventually receiving her BA in Liberal Studies. She loved Sonoma, its surrounding area and lived in many of the communities throughout the county since arriving for college. Many may remember Kathy as the aerobics instructor at Sonoma Mission Inn, the server at the Jack London Lodge, the dog groomer at My Pal Pet, the community service officer at the Humane Society of Sonoma or the beloved El Verano post mistress.

Kathy touched the hearts of all who knew her with her generosity of spirit, sweet surprises, thought-out actions and kind intentions. Thank you to all of you who have shared your heartfelt feelings and loving stories these past few weeks. Your words are cherished. Kathy is survived by her twin brother, David (SPHS '73); other brothers, John (SPHS '67) and Harold (SPHS '68); many nieces, nephews and cousins, long-time partner, Don Martini, and lifelong friends she shared her sparkle with.

Press Democrat and Sonoma Index-Tribune, February 12, 2016

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With great sorrow and complete disbelief I, along with many of her loyal fans, suddenly discovered this week that Kathy Gerletti passed away due to complications from a stroke she suffered on December 28, 2015. Kathy worked as a beloved window clerk at the small US Post Office in El Verano and she literally stood out like a "Rock star" among her peers and was completely adored by her customers. She was also the epitome of positive energy and grace under stress. No matter what, she always had a wonderful smile and maintained a very positive attitude. Her enthusiasm for life along with the people she came in contact with at the post office was totally refreshing and contagious. Kathy always did one more unselfish thing above and beyond what is normally considered necessary to make everyone feel special and very appreciated. In my humble opinion, she raised the bar for what is typically considered great customer service within a local small community post office. Although I did not know Kathy beyond her public persona, her absence will leave such a vacancy within the cosmic force of humanity that I am now seriously wondering if I will ever really truly enjoy visiting a US Post Office again in my lifetime. I am also very certain that many others who knew Kathy are sharing the exact same thoughts. If there is such a thing as an unsung hero within the US Postal Service, without question her name is Kathy Gerletti. 

Bob Leonard, Sonoma Index-Tribune, January 7, 2016

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Why did people use the tiny US Post Office in El Verano, when services existed closer to home?  It is because Postmistress Kathy Gerletti was special. She was more than the Postmistress. Kathy was the impresario who changed a visit to the post office into community theater.

Kathy Gerletti, born March 4, 1955, died suddenly from a stroke on December 28, 2015. She was 59 years old. Kathy grew up in South Pasadena, graduating from South Pasadena High School in 1973. Before the Post Office service Kathy tended bar at the Glen Ellen London Lodge, and taught aerobics. A local fellow remembers Kathy flying along Arnold Drive on her green Vespa scooter with red hair flowing from beneath her helmet. She was always dramatic.

There has been an outpouring of loving commentary in the press and on Facebook. Friends and admirers of Kathy give the reader an understanding of what she meant to El Verano residents. A few posted comments:  "a working class heroine." "...a helpful soul..." "...a good friend..." "...upbeat and cheerful personality..." "She would leave Hershey Kisses, Easter eggs and other treats in our mail boxes." "...bubbly and filled with good energy." "Customers were offered donuts while she processed our mail." "I'm so honored to have had you in my life!" "She was an angel." "...a bright light sent to make the world a much better place..." "She was the epitome of old fashioned, small town customer service..." "...a beautiful smile and radiant spirit who now graces Heaven." "...a bright light sent to make the world a much better place." "...watching her work was a thing of beauty." "...warm and welcoming."

Thomas Martin, Springs Splash, February 2016