I first met Kathy and her children about 37 years ago when I first started dating her sister Sheila. We are now married 34 years. I remember Kathy always spoke with a very soft and calming voice. She always made me feel very much at home and a member of her family whenever we would visit.
Over the years when Sheila and I started our own family, Kathy would always call to see how my family was doing. She would always tell Sheila she was thinking of us and that we were in her prayers.
This past week when we learned of Kathy's passing, Sheila, myself and her daughter Julie went down to Kathy's home in Lewes, DE. It was there when I learned much more about Kathy. As I stood outside of her house many of her neighbors saw me and came over to chat. They all expressed their condolences but each had a story to tell about Kathy.
The common theme was that Kathy was nice, she was kind and she was going to be greatly missed. She lived in a little community where people looked out for each other and truly cared about their neighbors. Every person offered their help.
So, I got to thinking: it is truly amazing how one person affected so many other people for the better. She was a friend to many, and she was loved by many.
She may not have had a lot of money, but she was rich in love and friendship. Kathy probably didn't even realize how many lives she affected for the better and more importantly how much she was loved and will be missed.
Thank you Kathy for all of the prayers you have said for my family and thank you for being the best big sister to my wife, Sheila. You will be greatly missed by all. I know you are in a better place and finally free from all of your pain.
RIP
With much sorrow,
Big Mike