Kathleen Mary Elter

Kathleen M. Elter

Kathleen Mary "Kathy" Elter, 58, of New Windsor, New York, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, December 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and warmth that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Kathy was born in the Bronx, New York, to James and Kathleen "Kay" Corcoran.  In 1969, her Family moved to Chester, New York, where she spent her formative years.  For the past 18 years, Kathy has made her home in New Windsor, where she has built a life rooted in Family, friendship, and purpose.

She is survived by her devoted husband, John P. Elter III; her sister, Maureen, and her husband, Paul; her brothers, Kevin, Brian, and his wife, Kristin, and James and his wife, Jenna. Kathy is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved Family dog, Molly, who brought her great comfort and joy.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Kay Corcoran, and by her cherished Family pets—Sylvester, Bongo, Sam, Midnight, and Pebbles—who held a special place in her heart.

A proud graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Kathy was never shy about promoting her beloved "Bonnies." She enjoyed a distinguished 36-year career in marketing, spending 23 years at Walter Karl/InfoUSA, where she formed many lifelong friendships.  Most recently, she served as Director of Marketing at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, New York, where she passionately supported the hospital's mission of caring for individuals recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other severe conditions.  Her work reflected her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to helping others.

Kathy loved to travel and found great happiness in her annual trips to Riviera Maya, Mexico, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  She always kept a countdown on her phone, eagerly anticipating her next adventure.  

My Wife, Kathy Elter — Through My Eyes

 Kathy was the biggest animal lover I have ever known.  Her compassion for animals was boundless, and it was simply part of who she was. She was deeply passionate about many things.  Still, Saint Bonaventure University held a special place in her heart.  She proudly supported her beloved "Bonnies" and never missed an opportunity to talk about the school.  Kathy tried time and again to convince our nieces and nephews to attend — or at the very least, to visit. She finally succeeded when she convinced my nephew, Tyler, to see the campus.  That visit was all it took — Tyler became a Bonnie for life.

Kathy was also an information junkie in the best sense of the word. Our Family often joked that if Kathy — or "Aunt Kathy" — couldn't find information on a particular subject or person, then that information did not exist anywhere.  Her curiosity, intelligence, and love of learning were remarkable.

She enjoyed watching the New York Giants and the New York Yankees, and more recently, she developed a love for watching golf on television — especially when Scottie Scheffler and the other top stars of the PGA Tour were playing.

Above all else, Kathy loved her Family — both hers and mine — deeply and completely.  Some of her happiest and most cherished moments were when we hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas in our home, surrounded by Family, laughter, and love.  Those gatherings meant everything to her, and they will forever remain among my most treasured memories.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc., 139 Stage Road, Monroe, New York 10950.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church, 27 High Street, Chester, New York 10918.

Private cremation will follow under the care and supervision of Brendan & Thomas Flynn at Oxford Hills Crematory, Inc., Chester, New York.

Instead of flowers, the Family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Kathy's memory to one of the following organizations:

Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation

51–55 Route 9W North, Building 14

West Haverstraw, NY 10993

or

Hudson Valley SPCA

940 Little Britain Road

New Windsor, NY 12553

The Elter Family has entrusted the care of Kathy to the Flynn Family and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers.

Please feel free to leave a condolence or upload photographs to share memories and honor Kathy's life.