Kathleen Mary Schoeck (née Venuto), 74, passed away on August 25, 2025, following a courageous three-year battle with endometrial cancer, with her loving family by her side.

Born on May 20, 1951, in Vineland, NJ, to Peter and Helen Venuto, Kathleen was a bright student and proud member of the National Honor Society at Vineland High School. She graduated from Douglass College at Rutgers University with a degree in psychology and later pursued a career in medical diagnostics.

In May 1982, Kathleen married David Schoeck, and together they raised two children, Michael and Kristen—her greatest joy and proudest legacy. She often said that being their mother was her life's most important calling. Beyond her own family, Kathleen dedicated herself to mentoring youth in local schools and at St. Kilian's Catholic Church, nurturing young people with compassion and guidance. She cherished being a part of her children's interests, rarely missing one of her son's Track and Field meets or her daughter's ballet practice.

Kathleen was known for her empathic, sincere, and good-natured spirit - qualities that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a unique ability to make others feel like family.

With a wide range of talents and interests, Kathleen embodied the rare spirit of a Renaissance woman. A gifted pianist since childhood, she delighted in classical music, classics, literature, and even owned numerous rare antiques. Unlike many in her generation, she was an eager early adopter of the latest technologies—whether learning new apps or mastering devices. She was a natural cook, blending her family's Sicilian heritage with her own touch to create recipes that filled the house with the comforting aroma of home. Although she enjoyed travel, Kathleen was just as happy spending quality time with her family and savoring the comforts of home.

In her final years, her family lovingly called her a "warrior"— a title she wore proudly. Kathleen wanted to be remembered not simply as a survivor but as someone who rose to life's greatest challenge with grit, grace, and gratitude. She often made friends with her care team, smiling in the toughest of times and never letting fear get in her way.

Kathleen will be forever missed by her two children, Michael and Kristen of San Diego, her former husband, David of Lake Forest, and her grand-doggy "Blue" of San Diego. A private funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Aliso Viejo, followed by a burial at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest.