Kathleen "Katie" Marie Strohmer

Kathleen Marie Kennedy Strohmer, 84, went to be with her Lord on January 22, 2015, while surrounded by her loving family at Sanctuary of the Shores in Grand Haven, MI. Best known as “Katie,” she was a West Branch Resident for 55 years.

Katie was born to James and Blanche Kennedy on May 11, 1930 (Mother’s Day) in Mt Pleasant, MI. Katie had a difficult hip surgery when she was a young girl, and because of the care she was given, she embraced a vocation in nursing. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant in 1948, she earned her nursing license from St Lawrence School of Nursing, proudly becoming a Registered Nurse in 1952. She mastered her gift of caring for others at work in Chicago, Ohio and at Central Michigan University’s Health Services. She cared for people in the West Branch area over the last 55 years at Tolfree Memorial Hospital, Bortz Health Care (where she was the Director of Nursing), foster care, and TRIO Council on Aging. She retired from nursing in 2012 at the age of 80, after 60 years of service.

She came to West Branch in 1957 and raised 7 children to whom she dedicated her life. She met countless friends along the way and loved them each dearly. Katie believed in community and used her talents to participate in various organizations and committees in West Branch. She was a vital member of the St. Joseph Catholic parish, where she volunteered her time in RCIA, blood pressure clinics, teacher’s aide, PTA, and the altar society. She enjoyed music, laughter, and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed listening to everyone’s stories, but mostly she enjoyed telling stories. She will be missed by all.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Timothy J. Kennedy, grandchild infant Baby Simmons, her daughter Mary Elizabeth (Strohmer) Ward, and 2 nieces and nephews.

She is survived by son Michael (Edith) Strohmer of Newaygo, MI; daughters Julia (Dwayne) Brott of Muskegon, MI; Therese Strohmer of Greensboro, NC; Katherine (Steve) Simmons, Stewartstown, PA; Margaret (Mat) Ardell of Grand Haven, MI; son Patrick (Susan) Strohmer of Grand Rapids, MI; son-in-law Kevin (Mary-deceased) Ward of West Branch, MI; grandchildren Jarrett (Jennifer) Ardell, Gabe (Alicia) Gorman, Braeton Ardell, Nathan Ward, Sarah Simmons, Adam Simmons, Tavin Ardell, Kaleigh Brott, Emily Simmons, Ella Ward; great grandchildren Oliver, Maddison, Kaleyn, and Brenden. Also surviving is brother, John Q. (Sally) Kennedy and 24 nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Katie will be at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, January 31, 2015, Katie will lie in state at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 a.m. Father Patrick Maher will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa Community 1061 S. Beacon, Grand Haven, MI 49417.