ForeverMissed
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The family of Kathleen (Kathy) A. Dailey held a private burial in the Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, Michigan, a town that she called home since 1975. A public Celebration of Life will be held on at St. Andrew’s the Apostle Catholic Church, 910 Austin Drive, Saline, Michigan 48176Friday, June 18, 2021 with Visitation at 1pm -2 pm (ET) and Mass 2pm-3pm . Please  join us if you would like to share this time with us.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that those who wish to remember her consider donating to the March of Dimes or to a local or national food bank. In Washtenaw County, Food Gatherers does a great job feeding those who are food insecure. Mom loved to bake and share the results and she would love to know that there are people being fed in her memory. 

Kathy was a vibrant force of nature with endless energy until her passing. Kathy was a long-standing member of the Saline community and the congregation at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. Fiercely proud of her family, Kathy made a point of always being present in our lives. She attended and provided transportation to countless meetings and events for her children and grandchildren for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, theatre, band, and sports.

Kathy loved the holidays, especially Christmas. It was a chance for her to surround herself with her family and share a joyful day with her expansive family. She always welcomed guests to our gatherings and was sure to include them as much as possible. For Kathy, there were no strangers, only friends she had not met yet.

Kathy was also passionate about staying in contact with everyone in her life. From her childhood friends to distant family members, she called, mailed, emailed, texted everyone on birthdays, for life events, and just to extend greetings. It is a rare talent to have, that ability to stay in touch and we all will miss her notes and cards. She also loved to bake and used that as a form of therapy both for herself and for those to whom she gifted the food she baked. Her brownies could make you feel better even on the darkest of days.

Always on the go, Kathy was involved in the Saline Relay for Life for years, with the Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce, as well as many other local Scouting and business organizations during her 45 years in the Saline area. She was well-known throughout the community and held in high regard.

Kathy had a passion for photography and her ever-present camera was a mainstay of family events and gatherings. As a Master Gardener, she was passionate about sharing her knowledge and joy of plants with all wanting a beautiful garden.

Kathy had a lasting effect on all who knew her. She was able to see the joy and beauty in life and lead others to do the same. She also welcomed new people into her life whenever the opportunity arose. The world will miss her energy and joy.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Kathleen Grabda and her daughter Marion Kathleen. She is survived by her brother, David W. Grabda; her sister, Susan M. Freytes; her remaining four children through her marriage to James H. Dailey (deceased), Carol M. Dailey-Curry (Elvin), Michael J. Dailey (Heidi), Thomas A. Dailey, and Mary E. Dailey; her grandchildren Tiffany L. Martin (Russell), Robert C. Lossing (Renee), Ryan M. Lossing, Andrew M. Dailey (Annmarie), Randall M. Lossing, Julianne M. Dailey (Joseph Budgak), Patrick M. Dailey, Connor D. Dailey, Devin M. Dailey; her great-grandchildren Steven J. Lossing,Braden R. Martin, Bryce R. Martin, Aubrey M. Lossing, Bradley N. Lossing, and Luke A. Dailey.


June 19, 2021
June 19, 2021
If there were a recipe for mom, it would be a cup of love, a tablespoon of Betty Crocker, a tablespoon or Annie Leibowitz, a dash of the Golden Girls, a dollop of stubbornness, and a pinch of surprise.

As I wrapped my head around her passing and thought back on the life and times we shared, one aspect stood out.

Mom showed up.

She showed up for Scout meetings School Events, Holidays, and celebrations. She showed up to take us where we needed to be and when we needed her to be there.

For events and functions, you could guarantee she would have her camera in hand and there would be some photo taking. While we often complained about the photo taking, we now have some 15,000 images to enjoy as her parting gift. 

Mom showed up for Friday night pinocle with Carol and I when dad was out of town. She showed up for trips to the emergency room, and when we were sick at home. In the latter case, it was usually with Vernors and Saltines or chicken soup.

As we grew older and moved out, she showed up to visit, usually with a plate full of baked goods. She baked as a form of therapy and (I think) as a reason to visit. Her brownies could almost always make you feel better.

Her passion for baking is the reason we suggested donations to Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor for those who wish to honor her. Mom loved to feed people and would be happy to know that others were doing so in her name.

Mom made it a point to show up and be present in the lives of each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren to the best of her ability.

She and I had our ups and downs, but the downs never lasted because sooner or later, she would show up and we would make things right. 

The last time I saw mom was a couple days before she passed. It was obvious to me that she was struggling that day.

I suspect it must have taken a lot of effort for her to make that visit, but it represented who she was and what she did.

She showed up.

I suspect she had a feeling time was short, so she showed up one last time to say goodbye.

When it comes down to it, at the end of our days, it is the people in our lives who show up that make the difference.

Thanks for showing up mom.
January 7, 2021
January 7, 2021
It still doesn't seem real. I haven't cried yet or slept. I keep waiting for you to show up to pet Taffy and race her downstairs to workout on the NuStep.
My heart has another hole in it.
I'm sure you're tending to God's gardens, that's why he called for you. Watch out for those pesky roses.
May our memories of you keep us close to you. May you rest in peace.

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June 19, 2021
June 19, 2021
If there were a recipe for mom, it would be a cup of love, a tablespoon of Betty Crocker, a tablespoon or Annie Leibowitz, a dash of the Golden Girls, a dollop of stubbornness, and a pinch of surprise.

As I wrapped my head around her passing and thought back on the life and times we shared, one aspect stood out.

Mom showed up.

She showed up for Scout meetings School Events, Holidays, and celebrations. She showed up to take us where we needed to be and when we needed her to be there.

For events and functions, you could guarantee she would have her camera in hand and there would be some photo taking. While we often complained about the photo taking, we now have some 15,000 images to enjoy as her parting gift. 

Mom showed up for Friday night pinocle with Carol and I when dad was out of town. She showed up for trips to the emergency room, and when we were sick at home. In the latter case, it was usually with Vernors and Saltines or chicken soup.

As we grew older and moved out, she showed up to visit, usually with a plate full of baked goods. She baked as a form of therapy and (I think) as a reason to visit. Her brownies could almost always make you feel better.

Her passion for baking is the reason we suggested donations to Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor for those who wish to honor her. Mom loved to feed people and would be happy to know that others were doing so in her name.

Mom made it a point to show up and be present in the lives of each of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren to the best of her ability.

She and I had our ups and downs, but the downs never lasted because sooner or later, she would show up and we would make things right. 

The last time I saw mom was a couple days before she passed. It was obvious to me that she was struggling that day.

I suspect it must have taken a lot of effort for her to make that visit, but it represented who she was and what she did.

She showed up.

I suspect she had a feeling time was short, so she showed up one last time to say goodbye.

When it comes down to it, at the end of our days, it is the people in our lives who show up that make the difference.

Thanks for showing up mom.
January 7, 2021
January 7, 2021
It still doesn't seem real. I haven't cried yet or slept. I keep waiting for you to show up to pet Taffy and race her downstairs to workout on the NuStep.
My heart has another hole in it.
I'm sure you're tending to God's gardens, that's why he called for you. Watch out for those pesky roses.
May our memories of you keep us close to you. May you rest in peace.
Recent stories
January 7, 2021
Kathy was so full of life nothing stopped her from doing anything. I loved her sprit she aways came over and helped my grandson  plant flowers .she loved seeing him all the time .God bless her .the lord found a good one.

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