NAUGATUCK — Kathleen Rita Bickelhaupt, 84, died unexpectedly on October 4, 2022 at her home.

Kathleen was born January 18, 1938, in New York City, daughter of the late Alexander and Mary (nee Belvin) Nagy. She graduated from Milford High School and earned her associate’s degree in nursing from the University of Bridgeport. Kathleen was a registered nurse and had a 40-year-long career of caring and compassion, working in the field of mental health with over 20 years at the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health Services, and Waterbury Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital, and Bridgeport Mental Health.

Kathleen loved her family and enjoyed cooking, recipes, crossword puzzles, dining out, reading, skiing, traveling, and camping.

Kathleen is survived by her children, Kenneth Boehm of Bradenton, Fla., Alison Bridge (Tracy) of Naugatuck, Conn., Maureen Bascom of Stafford Springs, Conn., Leslie Scott of Naugatuck, Conn., and Eric Bickelhaupt (Erin) of Wallingford, Conn.; her grandchildren, who she was affectionately known to as Auntie Cake and Mema, Christopher, Ryan, Jarrett, and Brandon Boehm, Quinton Bridge, Sydney Bascom, Sean Gonzalez, Caleb Scott, and Connor, Kyle, and Callen Bickelhaupt; her sister, Rita Krett, and husband, David Krett; her niece, Melissa Kurtz; and her two nephews, David and Brian Krett.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Kathleen’s life on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 4 to 6 pm at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Kathleen’s memory, donations are requested to the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard South, Southington CT 06489; or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692.

To leave an online condolence, please visit buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.