Kathryn Haddad-Watkins--a teacher to thousands, a mother-figure to many, and a friend to all--was called home by the Lord on Thursday, December 26, 2019. She was 80. Born September 8, 1939 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Evelyn and Simon Haddad, Kathy was the oldest of 5. She attended St. Stephen's Elementary School and graduated from Marywood Academy High School. She received her Bachelor's degree from Aquinas College and later went on to earn a Master's degree from Western Michigan University. She became a teacher for Grand Rapids Public Schools and taught first grade for 41 ½ years. She put her heart and soul into everything, especially her passion for teaching. Long after she retired, she was recognized by many students who greeted her with a warm hug and thanked her for the lasting impression she left on them. When her parents died young, she took over the responsibility to raise her 8-year-old brother, Michael as if he was her own son. In 1976, she married the love of her life, Clarke Watkins III. A year later they welcomed their first child together, Ariesa "Risi", who Kathy would often say was "the best thing that ever happened to her." Kathy enjoyed spending a lot of time with family, knitting, going to Grand Haven, and relaxing at the cottage. She will be remembered for the kindness she extended to everyone she met, her gentle voice, the delicious Arabic meals she prepared for her family, and the stories of her life she repeatedly told to her daughter and grandchildren. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Ariesa (BJ) Joseph; her seven grandchildren, Karisah, Riana, Delilah, Camille, Kyrie, JJ, and Anisa; two great-grandchildren; brothers Rick and Mike (Pam), sisters Shirley and Barb, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Friends are invited to celebrate Kathy's life on Saturday January 4, 2020 at Ofield Funeral Home(4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508). There will be a time of visitation from 10-11 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m.



Service Information

Visitation
When: Saturday, January 4, 2020 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SEKentwood,MI 49508

Service
When: Saturday, January 4, 2020 11:00am
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SEKentwood,MI 49508