PENDER COUNTY — Katrina Maria Konschnik Seferyn, 61, of Surf City, N.C., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 4, 2022. Katrina battled courageously against cancer for many years. She had a wonderful childhood in Dorrance, PA and moved to Pender County, NC in 2004 to be close to her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.
Katrina’s unwavering faith and trust in God carried her through all obstacles throughout her life and was an inspiration to many others. She was a member of Catholic Daughters and the bell choir at All Saints Catholic Church in Hampstead.
Katrina was an artist. She earned her AAS at Luzerne County Community College in painting and illustration. Her love of the arts started with painting and later transitioned to theater. She was a member of several local theater groups where she was involved as an actress, playwright, director, and stage manager.
Katrina had a heart for helping others. For many years she was an environmental activist for several organizations. Later she worked with victims of abuse in Wilkes-Barre, PA. When she moved to Hampstead, N.C., she continued her studies at UNCW for a bachelors in social work and then went on to grad school at UNC-Chapel Hill. As a licensed clinical social worker, she worked with various agencies, supporting both children and adults. She served as a court appointed guardian ad litem for Pender and New Hanover counties. She then went on to work for the VA where she supported veterans through suicide prevention and crisis care.
Katrina was a cook and a baker. She loved hosting gatherings and feeding people. No one ever left her house hungry. Her final dream was realized when she opened Topsail Pie Company. As the president and chief baker, she spent this past summer teaching her family all of her recipes and tricks in the kitchen.
Katrina always had an adventurous spirit with a fancy flair. Later in life, she earned a yellow belt in Taikwon Do and also practiced the Japanese martial art using swords, Iai Do. She loved her Jeep; decorating it, riding with the top off, and driving over obstacles in Jeep weeks at the beach. She did not like to be caught without her lipstick or pearls and she loved anything flamingo.
Katrina valued her time with family. She enthusiastically supported her son and grandchildren in every aspect of their lives. She nurtured her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren whether it involved fun on the farm, planning elaborate holiday parties, taking them to the theater in NYC, or rising before dawn to watch the sunrise at the beach. She encouraged each of them to pursue their dreams.
Katrina had a way of showing all of her friends and family members that they were special, important, and loved. She touched countless lives and left such a powerful positive impact with everyone who was lucky enough to have known her.
Katrina’s legacy will live on through her son, Matthew Seferyn and daughter (in-law) Jennifer.
Parents- Joseph B. Konschnik Sr. and Sandra Konschnik. Grandchildren- Madden (Gracie), Joseph, and Whitney Seferyn. Sister- Karen Cooper. Brothers- Joseph B. Konschnik Jr. (Susan), James Konschnik (Nancy), and Jonathan Konschnik (Stacey). Many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and treasured friends.
Katrina was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Stephen Cooper as well as her beloved grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Dorrance, PA.
An interment ceremony will be held at Sea Lawn Cemetery in Hampstead, NC, on Saturday, November 19 at noon. The family will receive friends at the Topsail Senior Center following the interment ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Katrina’s memory to your favorite charitable organization.
