Kathryn Centoni

Apr 12, 1940 -

Mar 24, 2026

Longtime Anchorage, Alaska, resident Kathryn "Kathy" Centoni passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Kathy was born Kathryn Ann Diehl on April 12, 1940, in Denver, Colo., to Harry and Marian Diehl. After receiving her bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, she taught in Denver and then, in 1964, she moved to Anchorage, where she taught at Rogers Park and O'Malley Schools from 1964 to 1992. She also received her master's degree from the University of Alaska. She was a beloved teacher who touched the lives of many students and colleagues throughout her career.

On June 15, 1968, Kathy married the love of her life, Ralph Centoni, at Holy Family Church in downtown Anchorage. They celebrated with a reception at the Double Musky in Girdwood, beginning a marriage that would span 57 devoted years.

Kathy was a master gardener known for her vibrant flowers and artistic arrangements. She found joy in painting, knitting and working with ceramics, earning first place at the fair for a pair of lamps she created. She had a deep love for her Collie dogs, caring for many over the years with devotion and pride—so much so that friends often joked it would be a privilege to return as one of the Centoni's dogs.

An avid skier in her younger years, Kathy enjoyed many days on the slopes at Alyeska with friends. She and Ralph shared a passion for travel and explored the world together, often accompanied by their nephew and niece, Gary and Debbie Centoni.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Marian Diehl.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Centoni; beloved sister, Janet Harvey of Littleton, Colo.; and nieces, Laurie Peters of Aurora, Colo., and Kathy Chesser of Phoenix, Ariz.

She will be remembered for her creativity, kindness and the love she shared with family, friends, students and all who knew her.

A service will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. with a reception following.