At Boyne Mountain. She was wearing the 'bigfoot' type snow shoes, which actually were quite chique.  My daughter was about 7, and not confident on the slopes yet. But Kathleen told her that 'if people aren't falling down, they aren' learning".
Wise words that stuck.

I met Kathleen for the first time just before my husband (Paul) proposed to me.  I think he wanted to see how we got along. :-)  

We caught up with her and the grandkids (Paul's niece and nephew) at a little diner in Cheboygan, MI.  There she was, at the head of the table, leading the discussion and patting little Shannon on the head, while sliding her a bit more donut on her plate without her dad noticing.  Upon Paul and I entering, she stopped short to welcome us by pointing to the seat next to her and said, "Come Pollyanna, I want you to sit here."  Realizing this was a women who likely didn't take no for an answer I sat and took in the activities.  

Kathleen continued with her story, during which the waitress served her coffee and a vegetable juice.  Without realizing, Kathleen shook pepper into the coffee and poured cream into the vegetable juice.  Paul interrupted her and said, "uh, Mother, you just put pepper in your coffee."  Without missing a beat, she said, "well, it will just make it taste that much better," and drank.  

Kathleen was the most animated and vivacious spirit I think I have ever met.  Sometimes she could be very business-like, but always very kind.  Although we have had our disagreaments, I have to say in the last 20+ years I have known her, we have never had one argument.  Further, I respected her abilities within her chosen profession (Real Estate Broker).  Matter of fact, earlier this year she renewed her license, which I understand is not an easy thing to do even if you are new and know all the laws.  

God rest Kathleen, we will miss you and I am so sorry Grace has to grow up withouth knowing her Grandmother.