It is with heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of our Executive Director, Kathie Kudela. Kathie wasn’t just a friend to us, but to the entire community of Niagara Falls. Kathie tirelessly fought to save the former Niagara Falls High School and over the past 20 years transformed it to what it is today. The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center would not be here today without her passion for the arts and her faith in the revitalization of this community. Kathie saw the talented art scene in Niagara County, she saw the future of a Grand Theater in Niagara Falls, she saw something in all of us and created a team of dedicated employees who loved to come to work everyday to see her smiling face. Kathie inspired us because we knew that this wasn’t a job for Kathie, but a home away from home. She led by example and showed us how important it was to love what you do and be a visionary against all obstacles.
We are truly heartbroken and send our deepest thoughts and prayers to her family, friends and her beloved granddaughters. We know that she is now up in a garden planting her flowers and watching over us all.
Visitation will be held at ZAJAC FUNERAL HOME INC., 319 24th St, Niagara Falls, NY on Friday, March 19th from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Kathie’s final resting place will be at Holy Trinity Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest in a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NACC, 1201 Pine Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, in Kathie’s memory. Visit zajacfuneralhomeinc.com for online condolences.