Cathleen "Cathy" Bellafiore, 77, of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully after her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Thursday, June 18, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her devoted husband and family.
Cathy was born May 27, 1949, in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Charles and Frances (Mannino) Badami. Cathy was a graduate of Oak Park North High School and met the love of her life Joseph Ballafiore at 15 years old. They were married in 1970 and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in January of this year. Cathy had a strong devotion to her family, and worked alongside her husband for many years. Her greatest joy was her role as a mother to her three daughters. As a woman very dedicated to her Catholic faith, she and Joe made regular pilgrimages to sacred grottos and basilicas. Mother Mary had a special place in her heart and she regularly supported organizations committed to helping children and bringing the Catholic faith to others. One of her greatest pastimes was baking Italian cookies for others, especially her yearly contribution to the St. Joesph’s table at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Charles Badami; her sister, Charlene, and her son-in-law, Roger Fallek. Cathy is survived by her husband, Dr. Joseph Bellafiore, her daughters, Christina Bellafiore-Fallek, Toni Jo “T.J.” Bellafiore and JoAnn (Tim) York, and her favorite grandson, Timothy Joseph “T.J.” York; brother, Steve (Philomena) Badami, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The visitation will be at 3 p.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 26th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, KS. (The service will also be live streamed.) A private family entombment will be on Saturday, June 27th at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in her name to EWTN Catholic TV (https://ewtnmission.com) or the Covenant House for children (https://www.covenanthouse.org). Both organizations meant a lot to Cathy.