Katherine Stern, whose age remained a closely guarded secret, passed away on June 9th, surrounded by the love of her family and dearest friends.

Born on April 29th, (again, year not to be mentioned) in Summit, NJ, Kathy lived a life marked by devotion to her family, kindness to others, and quiet strength. Kathy married Dwight Stern in 1982 and spent many wonderful years with him, both in Michigan and at the Jersey Shore where the family spent their summers. They traveled, adventured with friends and ate amazing food together until his death in 1999.

Kathy was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose presence brought comfort and warmth to those around her. She is most known by all who knew her for her quick wit and incredibly dry, sarcastic sense of humor. She was truly hilarious until the very end of her life.

Kathy had a gift for making people feel cared for. She expressed that love through her cooking, creating meals that brought family and friends together around the table. Her spaghetti became a favorite among her children’s friends and remains one of the many memories they cherish. Once her children were older, she began teaching reading at Collins Elementary School, then moving to Knapp Forest Elementary, where she spent many years inspiring young learners. She took great pride in helping children gain confidence and discover a lifelong love of reading, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and their families.

Nothing brought Kathy greater happiness than being a mother. She poured her heart into her children, serving on every PTO, volunteering as team mom, and rarely missing a moment from the sidelines. She was their biggest cheerleader, fiercest advocate, and steady rock through every stage of life. With endless love and unwavering dedication, she gave so much of herself to her family, making it all look effortless along the way.

Kathy’s second favorite title, after Mom, was “Kitty,” the name she chose when her first grandchild was born in 2004. She would go on to become Kitty to ten beloved grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. They were truly the greatest joy of her life, and she loved them fiercely. She cherished every moment spent with them—cooking together, sharing favorite meals, reading stories, playing games, and cheering them on at countless sporting events and theater performances.

She is survived by her children Michael Keyes (Kristin Berrios), Matthew Keyes (Shari), Cameron Keyes (Shannon) and Beth Morris (Chris); her 10 grandchildren Mason & Morgan Keyes; Emery Keyes; Jeffrey, Ryan and Colin Keyes; Taylor, Benjamin, Max and Avery Morris; her beloved sister Susie Penning; her two nieces Katie Southwell and Jen Delvaux and their children; her daughter-in-law Theresa Keyes; and many amazing, lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight Stern; her parents, George and Kathy Spaulding; and her former husband, Michael Keyes, with whom she shared her four children.

The family would like to express their gratitude to her caregiver Elle, the hospice team especially nurse Katie, and all those who provided compassionate care and support during her final days. A special thank you to her niece Katie, who was the family's rock toward the end of Kathy's life - always checking in on her, bringing her meals, taking her to doctor appointments, and most importantly being a constant, loving presence in her life.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer in Grand Rapids, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kids Food Basket. 

Though she will be deeply missed, her love, wisdom, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.