It is with heavy but hopeful hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen Mack, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and faithful servant. Kathleen was born on February 26, 1942, and went home to be with the Lord on November 3, 2023. She lived a life filled with love, grace, resilience, and countless cherished memories.

Born in the greater Cincinnati area in 1942 she grew up during World War 2 when her father, Carl served in the Merchant Marines and was stationed overseas. Carl had 9 brothers and sisters. The Macks believed in the strength of family, especially during difficult times. It was during her childhood years that Kathy was instilled with the value of singing to lift the spirit. Songs like Lida Rose, You Are My Sunshine, Hatracker, and more became gathering go-tos, used as remedies during trying times, and continue to be taught to new generations.

In 1947 she contracted polio and was admitted to a convalescent hospital and attended Condon School for the Handicapped. Surrounded by iron lungs and the isolation caused by an epidemic, she worked hard at such a young age to regain her health. In this experience, she learned the resilience and tenacity that would be called upon throughout her life during her many physical and emotional challenges. Her strength, faith, and fearlessness were testaments to her ability to navigate these early hardships.

She attended Mount Notre Dame High School where the "Pep Club" was born in 1957. This group of 10 women (Judy Bayer, Judy Kuethe, Carol McGill, Judy Hartmann, Judy Gates, Barb Horner, Pat Graves, Nancy Smith, and Linda Smith) became lifelong friends traveling together, supporting each other, providing space to be goofy and silly with one another, and meeting regularly for over 65 years. They remained Kathy's truest companions until her last days.

She took college courses at Mount St. Joseph and became an elementary school teacher. Reportedly called "Monster Mack" she was a strict but kind teacher. She then became a mother at age 22 after being told she could not bear children. She decided to adopt but was surprised with a pregnancy and in 1964 gave birth to Elizabeth Ann (Leanne). And then came Amy, Julie, and Tony! She beat the odds and astonished doctors by having four children in five years. Being a mother was her true calling.

She was a masterful mother who ensured her children loved the library, developed their faith, played team sports, and contributed to the community. Being involved in the church community was the cornerstone of family life and she instilled in them the values of service and faith. She was especially imaginative when it came to camping trips. She would magically pack the back of a station wagon using every square inch and should have patented her painted beer boxes as innovative storage containers! One of Kathy's favorite roles was as a grandmother which brought her immense joy. She reveled in the opportunity to dote on her beloved grandchildren which she excelled at and each one has a tree full of collectible ornaments amongst many other treasured gifts.

Witnessing her mother Betty run her own drapery business within her childhood home may have empowered Kathy to be the strong business women she became. When she found her selfneeding to go back to work she quickly went from an entry-level position to a sales manager and trainer. She took her innate business skills to her beloved faith community and became the business manager for St. Columban Catholic Church. She then transferred to St.John's Catholic Church in West Chester where she worked until her retirement in 2013. She continued to love church festivals, singing in the choir, and even took trips to Alaska and Assisi, Italy with her church groups.

Kathy was a trooper! She never wanted to miss out on traditions or create new ones.

She loved fall trips, going to Hilton Head every summer with her Pep Club, making goody bags at Christmas, exploring the missions of the Southwest, visiting her children and grandchildren for every birthday, and experiencing as much life as she could.

Kathy mitigated many physical hardships after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1992 and interstitial lung disease in 2019. She tried various treatments over the years, and she managed surgeries, diagnoses, and hospitalizations with grace and much courage. She was fearless in the face of challenge. From 2019 until her death she was cared for by her daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Phil Gillespie, their children, and extended community. It was the deep love and care that they gave her in their cozy and loving home that made her last years so memorable and full of comfort and support.

She faced death with the same fearlessness as she faced life and embodied a readiness and faith to "follow Him". She was surrounded by hours and hours of song and her greatest wish was that we continue to take care of one another and to keep singing! Her legacy of love, strength, and courage will continue to live through us in our songs and in the ways we serve one another.

Kathy was Born February 2, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is preceded in death of her parents Carl & Betty (Grau) Mack. Loving mother of Elizabeth, Amy (Dewayne),Julie (Phil), and Tony (Shannon), Stepchildren Rich and Mark. Devoted Grandmother of Maria (Adam), Nathan (Nicole), Alec, Rachel (Eli), Nina (Boone), Joshua, Jack (Julia), Meredith, Kate, Becks, and Noelani, Step Grandchildren Chaz and Alec. Great Grandmother of Lillian, Aria, and Azalea. Dear Sister of Joe (Pat) Mack. Kathy was preceded in death by brother Mike (Heidi) Mack, and Sister Terri Behringer (Brad).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Arthritis Foundation. Give.Arthritis.org

Kathy's family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and support of all those who have reached out during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed and will forever guide us to remember that love is what remains forever.