Kathleen Ann Lawrie, known affectionately as Kathie to her friends and family, was a beacon of love and resilience who left an indelible mark on the world. Born on October 7, 1960, in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, Kathie's journey through life was one of courage, strength, and unwavering optimism. Her spirit took flight on July 24, 2024, at her daughter's home in Portage, MI, after a valiant battle with cancer with both her daughters at her bedside. Kathie's life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit. She was a loving daughter to her mother, Arnoldene Virva, and a cherished sister to Robert Virva (Mark Hendershot) and Michelle Virva (Tommy Boutell). Her role as a mother to her daughters, Jennifer Lyle (Benjamin Lyle) and Nicole Wolf (Paul Wolf), was where Kathie shined the brightest. She poured her heart into her family, and her love blossomed through her grandchildren—Kayla, Alec, Paul, Zoe, and Emma—who were the joy of her life. Her educational journey led her to earn an Associate's degree in Applied Science from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, which propelled her into a fulfilling career as a secretary. Kathie balanced her professional life with her role as a homemaker, a position she held with grace and dedication. Her involvement in her community and associations was marked by her thoughtful presence and the meaningful connections she nurtured. Kathie's passions were as diverse as they were profound. She found solace in walking, an activity that allowed her to connect with nature and her inner self. Her love for reading was insatiable, and she could often be found exploring the quiet corners of libraries, lost in the pages of a good book. Music was a source of joy and comfort for Kathie, and she celebrated life's rhythm with every beat. Above all, Kathie's spirit soared when she celebrated her grandchildren and their accomplishments. She was their cheerleader, their confidante, and their guiding light. Her pride in their achievements knew no bounds, and she instilled in them the values of love, thoughtfulness, and faith. Kathie's character was the epitome of what it means to be loving and thoughtful. Her faith-filled life was a source of inspiration to all who knew her. She faced each day with a heart full of gratitude and a belief that every moment was a gift to be cherished. Kathie's legacy is not one of sorrow but of the joy and love she shared so freely. In her own silent way, Kathie taught us all a profound lesson: that the power of a loving heart can overcome the greatest of challenges. Her life was a reminder that each day is an opportunity to make a positive impact, to embrace our passions, and to love without reservation. As we reflect on Kathie's life, let us carry forward the light she brought into this world. Let her memory be a reminder to all of us to live with intention, to treasure our loved ones, and to face each day with the same unwavering courage that she did. Kathleen Ann Lawrie's story is not one of an end but a continuation—a narrative that lives on in the hearts she touched and the lives she inspired. Her journey reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is hope, and that the human spirit, fueled by love, is the most powerful force there is. Let us honor Kathie by living as she did—with love, thoughtfulness, and a faith that moves mountains.

Please join Kathie's family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday August 10, 2024 at 11AM at Portage Chapel Hill, 7028 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her honor.