Kathleen A DiCesare

Beloved wife and mother Kathleen Ann "Kathie" DiCesare (née MacEachern), 65, passed away unexpectedly on February 27, 2025, in Rochester, New Hampshire.

Born on July 7, 1959, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Kathie was a graduate of Lynn Technical High School, class of 1977. She also spent several years in Winter Park, Florida before moving back to New England with her family. She built a career working in accounting and financial departments but found her true calling as a veterans advocate, chaplain and author.

Kathie had a heart of gold and dedicated her life to helping others. She was a champion for her husband, John DiCesare, a Vietnam veteran, and extended her compassion to many others who had served. She counseled veterans struggling with mental health challenges and wrote extensively about PTSD to raise awareness and foster understanding.

A gifted writer, she authored several nonfiction and historical fiction books under the pen name Kathie Costos, including “For The Love of Jack - His War/My Battle,” “The Warrior SAW,” “Residual War,” “The Scribe Of Salem,” “The Visionary of Salem,” and the “13th Minister Of Salem,” among others. She maintained her blog, woundedtimes.org, since 2007 as an extension of her mission to reach out to those suffering with PTSD.

A devoted member of the Greek Orthodox Church, Kathie found solace in her faith and had a special love for angels, which she collected over the years. She also had an enduring passion for history—particularly the history of Salem, Massachusetts. An animal lover, she cherished the companionship of pets throughout her life. She also found joy in simple pleasures like brunch with loved ones.

Kathie is survived by her husband, John DiCesare; her daughter, Maria DiCesare; her sisters-in-law, Carol MacEachern and Donna Ali; her nieces, Marsha MacEachern Tempesta, Alison MacEachern, Stefanie MacEachern and her nephews Colin MacEachern and Andrew MacEachern. She also leaves behind a great-niece and several great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Katherine “Kitty” (Costas) and Warren MacEachern; as well as her brothers, Nicholas MacEachern and Warren MacEachern.

Kathie's kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to others will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those whose lives she touched.