Kathleen B. (Vishaway) Tefft

Kathleen B. (Vishaway) Brodeur Tefft, 86, passed away June 29, 2026, at Charlene Manor Extended Care Facility. She was born in Northampton, MA on May 13, 1940, the daughter of Henry and Jessie (Matweski) Vishaway. Kathleen Attended Northampton schools and proudly received her GED in 1986.
During her married years, she was a foster parent of numerous babies. She worked as a driving instructor and held various positions in food and health services, including at Rockridge. Kathy volunteered as a Brownie/Girl Scout leader, at the Council on Aging in Hatfield, as well as at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.  Kathy was most “famous” for owning and operating Kathy’s Diner in Northampton for over 24 years (1989-2013). 
She was an Avid Red Sox fan, (even following them to Japan!), she loved watching Wheel of Fortune, walking, hula hooping, bowling, kitchen concerts dancing to country music, and loved the ocean and her summer trips to Cape Cod.
She is survived by her daughters Deenamarie Robbins (Steven), Patricia Hoiensahl (Wayne), Veronica Mizula (Michael), Cathi Emery (Chuck) and Kari Brodeur-Stevens (Shawn); her son Kreg Brodeur; her grandchildren Jillian Robbins, Teddy Dunbar, Kristy Dunbar, Jeymei Wheeler (Giles), Corey Mizula, Nathan Mizula, Brandon Emery (Jennie), Tyler Emery, Mackenzie Emery, Sofia Brodeur-Stevens, and great grandchildren Maebelle Dunbar, Rylee Mizula, Raevyn Wheeler, Elias Augusto, and Hadlee Emery.
She is also survived by her siblings Jeanette Zehelski (Jimmy), Douglas Vishaway, Jack Benoit, and Frederick Benoit
Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husbands; Robert Tefft and Ronald Brodeur, her grandson Matthew Robbins, and her siblings Joseph Vishaway and Clifford Benoit. 
Calling hours will be held on Friday August 14, 2026, from 4-6 PM at the Kostanski Funeral Home 220 Federal St., Greenfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, donate Online via PayPal, Credit Card, or Venmo at https://pioneervalleyhospice.org/support-hospice-care-berkshires/, or by mail, 101 Munson St Suite 103, Greenfield, MA 01301.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

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