Katherine "Katie" Toscano, 93, a lifelong resident of Sharpsville and the Shenango Valley passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2021, at her home after a brief illness.

Katie was born on November 25, 1927, in Sharpsville, PA, daughter of the late Peter and Domenica (Morabito) Toscano.  She attended Sharpsville schools and was a member of St. Barthlomew's Church, Sharpsville, and more recently, an active member of St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, where she served as a greeter. In earlier years at St. Joseph's Church, she served as one of the leaders for the catechism classes.

As a young woman, Katie worked for Isaly's Grocery Store in Sharon. Since the early 1980's, she has been a resident of the ARC of Mercer County, where she enjoyed participating in the work programs and all the events and activities at the MCAR center with her family and friends. She especially looked forward to and participated in the annual dances at the center. One of her favorite events were the annual musicals in which she always had a role, and a tap dance or two!

Katherine also acted as a spokesperson for persons with intellectual disabilities , and in the late 70's, had an opportunity to address the Pennsylvania Legislature in Harrisburg on behalf of this cause.

Katie was extremely social and cherished time spent with her family and friends and will always be remembered for her kindness and giving nature. She was also an avid reader of the bible and treasured her collection.

Katie is survived by two sisters, Palma (Anthony)  Rossi, Apopka, FL, and Nancy (John) Liptak, Eustis, FL; four nieces, Louise (Ron) Peters, Buffalo, NY; Marilyn Rossi, Apopka, FL; Elaine Toscano, Chicago, IL; and Anita Killen, Apopka, FL; five nephews, Ray (Judy) Benetto, Warren, OH, Tony (Debi) Rossi, Mt. Dora, FL, John Liptak, Eustis, FL, David (Sherry) Rossi, Winfield, IL and Gary (June) Toscano, Westerville, OH; and many great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to her parents, Katie was preceded in death by her two sisters, Anne Stacconi, Buffalo, NY and Josephine Benetto, Sharpsville, PA, and her brother, Joseph Toscano, Hermitage, PA, brothers-in-law, Tony Stacconi, Buffalo, NY, Ted Benetto, Sharpsville, PA, Anthony Rossi, Apopka, FL and John Liptak, Eustis, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Katy's name to The Arc of Mercer County Foundation, 850 North Hermitage Rd, Hermitage, PA  16148 or www.mercerarc.org

Calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, (7-30-21) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, PA.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m., Friday, (7-30-21) at St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, with Rev. Thomas Whitman and Rev. Glenn Whitman, concelebrating.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage, PA.