Obituary of Katherine H. Sklenarik

After a courageous four-year battle with cancer, Katherine Hogan Sklenarik of Cortlandt Manor, New York, passed away with her family by her side. 

Katherine was born in Peekskill, New York to Phillip and Marguerite Hogan. She was a graduate of Peekskill High School and went on to study business at Berkeley College where she earned her Associate’s Degree.

In 1976, Katherine met the love of her life, Dennis Sklenarik and the two were married on April 15, 1978.

Katherine held various corporate positions before fulfilling her dream of being a Mom with the births of her daughter (Denise) and son (Glen).  From that point on, she devoted her life to her family.

Once Denise and Glen were grown, Katherine resumed her career.  She worked in special education at BOCES Pines Bridge School, where she retired in 2021. Katherine’s commitment to special education came from a loving bond with her sister Connie, who was born with Down Syndrome. Katherine touched the hearts and lives of countless students and co-workers during her time at BOCES. 

Katherine was an extraordinary wife and mother, and a doting grandmother (or “Noni”) to Marguerite and Eleanor.  Her family brought her great joy and laughter.  She was the ultimate homemaker, thoughtfully crafting dinner menus and meticulously decorating her home for each season and holiday.  Katherine loved dragonflies, Fall, the color orange, and Celtic music and jewelry in honor of her Irish heritage.

Katherine was an avid reader and knitter, and true to her name, she was a “chatty Kathy”, spending hours catching up with family and friends.  Her guilty pleasures included watching The Real Housewives, true-crime documentaries,
and Hallmark Christmas Movies. As a dog lover, she was always joined by one of her beloved pets cuddled by her side.

Katherine is predeceased by her sister Connie, her father Phillip, and her mother Marguerite.

Katherine is survived by her husband Dennis, daughter Denise Goodhue (husband Henry Goodhue), son Glen (partner Karen Hopkins), and granddaughters Marguerite Goodhue and Eleanor Goodhue.  She is also
survived by her siblings Michael Hogan (wife Joan), Ann Gallaher, Nora Hogan, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Private cremation ceremony to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Katherine to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.