Zanni, Kathleen Spears “Kathi”

Passed away on July 10, 2016, after a courageous battle with colon cancer, surrounded by close family and friends.

Kathi was born on June 22, 1960, in Louisville, KY, to Ronald Sr. and Judith Spears. She attended St. Martha Catholic School and Assumption High School before graduating from the University of Kentucky as a Registered Nurse. At UK, Kathi met her husband and the love of her life, Mark Zanni Sr., and together they had one son, Anthony Zanni, MD. Both can never express how much she has meant to them or how much she has helped them become the people they are today. Kathi was an active member of the Church of the Ascension.

Kathi was an amazing wife, mother, and nurse to all. She worked as a nurse at several local hospitals in various departments, most recently with the wonderful nurses at Norton Women’s and Kosair Children’s Hospital Endoscopy Suite. Her patients can attest to her caring attitude, as can the many nurses who she mentored throughout her career. Kathi was honored as Norton Nurse of the Year on multiple occasions. Family and friends remember her leadership and generosity. She coached cheerleading and quick recall at many local schools including Ascension School and Sacred Heart Model School. Kathi lived a life of service, helping others before herself.

She is survived by her husband, Mark, and son, Anthony; her parents Ron and Judy; her siblings- Ronald Jr (Marla) Spears, Karen (Don) Duff, and Steve (Lela) Spears and many nieces and nephews.

Kathi and her family would like to thank the excellent staff at Baptist East Hospital who made her last days special — especially the many nurses who took care of one of their own.

A time of remembrance will take place on July 15th from 4 to 8PM at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home (3331 Taylorsville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40205). A private memorial service and burial will take place the following day.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Gilda’s Club of Louisville or the Spears Fund at St. Xavier High School in Memory of Logan Spears.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen Spears "Kathi" Zanni, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.