Obituary of Kathleen Seagrave Nocera

Born on August 14, 1936 and raised in Little Neck, Queens. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Nocera, her stepson John Nocera, her parents Michael and Beatrice Seagrave, her sister Dolores Heintz and her brother Kevin Seagrave. Surviving are her loving stepchildren Michael Nocera (Patty) and Jeanette Muller (Charlie) and her grandchildren Michael, Christopher, and Marissa. She was the devoted aunt to Patricia Heintz, Kathleen Saggese (Kenneth), Diane Aitken (late John), Margaret Swanson (Kenneth), and Charles Heintz (Erin) as well as a great aunt to ten nieces and nephews, two great-grand nieces and many dear lifelong friends.

Kathleen, upon graduating from St. Agnes High School, entered the Dominican Sisters and served as a Catholic school teacher on the Lower East Side. After her time at the convent, she dedicated her life to educating and providing guidance to thousands of children in the New York City public schools. As a teacher, assistant principal, and finally as principal of  P.S. 117, she cared deeply about educating the mind, body, and soul. Upon retiring from the NYCDOE, she became a professor at St. John’s University. She was instrumental in creating the Principal’s Institute for Catholic School Educators, and she was an engaged member of the Council of Supervisors and Administrators of the City of New York.

She was active in parish ministries at Our Lady of Mercy Church, including teaching CCD, serving as a lector, and helping with RCIA. In her free time, she enjoyed cheering on the Yankees and St. John’s basketball team as well as socializing with family, friends, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in memory of Kathleen Seagrave Nocera to        The Little Sisters of the Poor       in Queens Village, NY.