Kathleen ‘Cathy’ DiBattista – Idaho Falls, Idaho, Formerly of Monessen
Kathleen “Cathy” DiBattista, 73, of Idaho Falls, passed away Dec. 20, 2023, at the Idaho Falls Community Hospital. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the end. Cathy was born on Feb. 15, 1950, in New Eagle, to Emil Joseph Bauer and Sophie Semich Bauer. She grew up in Monessen, a small town outside of Pittsburgh. Cathy was a dedicated daughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. On Nov. 6, 1971, Cathy married Michael Anthony DiBattista in Monessen. Cathy and Mike first got together in 1963, at the age of 13, and neither ever looked back. As a couple they had an active and fulfilling life traveling, enjoying and interacting with their son, Michael, golfing and fully engaging with family and friends. Cathy always was the life in any room she entered. Cathy and her friends often had very unusual golfing habits and nine holes of golf would frequently take hours since golf was often interrupted with resting under a tree to enjoy a refreshment. The score never mattered, but the companionship was priceless. Cathy was an avid reader and enjoyed being outdoors. She loved cooking, especially Italian dishes. When hosting friends for dinner at her home, she was never satisfied with making just one entree. She frequently would prepare two or more dishes to give friends a choice. As she put it, just to be safe that they will all like something she prepared. Over the last several years, Cathy and Mike would take long and slow road trips crossing the country visiting their son in the many places he resided and enjoying the sites and activities in various states. Cathy loved to joke about eating lobster in Maine and Alaska within a three-month period. Cathy is survived by her husband, Mike Anthony DiBattista of Idaho Falls, Idaho; son, Michael Emil DiBattista of Cincinnati, Ohio; brother, Frank Bauer of Hyannis, Mass.; sister, Dorothy Zukauckas of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Emil and Kathy Bauer of Beaver Falls, Pa., Paul DiBattisita of Cincinnati, Ohio, Santina and Teddy Pado of Fayette City, Pa., Rosellen Tignelia of Port Orange, Fla., Monica and Tim Kostidakis of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Cathy was predeceased by her parents, Emil Joseph Bauer and Sophie Semich Bauer. Services will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2023, at WOOD FUNERAL HOME EAST SIDE, 963 South Ammon Road, Ammon, Idaho. Following the services, the family will visit with friends at the Elks Lodge located at 640 E. Elva St., Idaho Falls, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho. Donations can be made by visiting the website rmhcidaho.org. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
