Kathleen Cioper Gioiosa

Kathleen Cioper Gioiosa, known for her unwavering strength, fierce loyalty, and boundless love for her family and community, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 22, 2024. She was surrounded by her devoted husband, Mark, and their sons, Noah, Luke, and Jake. Kathy faced a courageous three-year battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma) the same way she faced everything life presented her: with strength, determination, and a positive attitude.

Born in Acushnet, Kathleen was the daughter of Teddy Cioper and the late Madeleine (Violet) Cioper. She is survived by her siblings, Teddy M. Cioper and his wife Jaye, Christine Hacking and her husband George, and Melanie Cioper. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marie Sweeney, and her husband Peter. Kathy was an aunt to Myles and Tyler Hacking, Teddy and Jillian Cioper, Ali and AJ Vaynerchuk, and, Maxwell and Cameron Sweeney, as well as an honorary aunt to Corrie McCue, Joshua, and Julia Winsper. She also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kathleen attended St. Mary’s School and Holy Family High School, both in New Bedford, and later Bristol Community College. Her career in the food industry started at Burger King during high school. She later worked at Cerulli’s Gourmet Foods in Mattapoisett as a cook, deli clerk, and catering specialist, and then served as a produce manager at A&P. Ending her career in the food industry, Kathleen chose to dedicate herself to raising her family, becoming a devoted stay-at-home mom to three boys. While raising her family, Kathleen managed bookkeeping for the Cioper family businesses with precision and care.

Her passion for community involvement was unmatched. Kathy was an active member of parent-teacher organizations as her children progressed through the New Bedford Public Schools. She served as treasurer for the Lincoln School PTO, Normandin Junior High School PTO, and the NBHS Gridiron Club, as well as a member of the NBHS Advisory Committee. A long-time participant in the Greater New Bedford Relay for Life, Kathy also opened her home to collegiate baseball players as a host for the New Bedford Bay Sox, offering hospitality and encouragement during their seasons.

Kathy’s pride in her Polish heritage was evident in her deep commitment to cultural and community organizations. A dedicated member of the Polish Women’s Business and Professional Club from 2001 to 2024, she served in numerous roles, including sunshine committee chairwoman, corresponding secretary, and board member. For over 35 years, she volunteered with the Friends of Poland, coordinating the annual summer picnic at the Cioper Family Farm in Acushnet. Continuing her mother’s legacy, Kathy’s contributions to the former Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church of New Bedford were numerous. She helped run the Polish kitchen for many years, managed the frozen food and ice cream booth at the summer Polish festival, and lent her time to Thursday night bingo.

Kathy’s love for life extended beyond her community. As a young girl, she spent countless hours riding her horse, Nunyak, even riding him to St. Mary’s school or to Frates Bottle for ice cream in the summer. She later developed a deep love for the beach, finding peace at family cottages in Fairhaven, the shores of Cape Cod, and the sunlit sands of Delray and Fort Myers in Florida. Kathy also cherished family ski trips, exploring fairs like the Big E, and making lasting memories wherever she went.

An exceptional cook, Kathy had a talent for transforming random ingredients into extraordinary meals. She enjoyed hosting family parties and cookouts, creating gatherings where memories were made. Her ability to bring people together through food and celebration was a testament of her love for family, friends, and tradition.

Kathy’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her love, generosity, and resilience. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a loyal friend, and a proud participant in her community. Kathy’s unwavering determination, boundless energy, and high standards left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. She just got things done—whether big or small—with purpose and passion, inspiring those around her to do the same. Her memory will live on in the traditions she built, the laughter she shared, and the moments of hard work and love she poured into every aspect of her life. Kathy’s strength and dedication will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us to face life’s challenges with the same courage and grace that defined her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kathy’s name to:

Polish Women’s Business & Professional Club of Greater New Bedford - Scholarship Fund

Check Payable to:
PWB & P Club - Scholarship Fund
PO Box 442
Rochester, MA 02770
Each year, two scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors of Polish descent.

Visiting hours are Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mount Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Machnowski Funeral Home.

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