Kathleen A. Killingbeck Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

In a world that can be loud and chaotic, Kathy Killingbeck was the source of quiet calm and consistent kindness we gravitated toward. Born Kathleen Audrey Patterson on May 29, 1947 to Donald and Luella (Hirn) Patterson in Westland, Michigan, Kathy was the second of six children. Her love of family started in her childhood home with her beloved siblings and remained evident throughout her life. Kathy attended Wayne Memorial High School with her lifelong best friends Marlene & Kathy who gave her the nickname “Patter.” In 1962 she met the man who would stand by her side for the rest of her life: Robert “Moe” Killingbeck. Kathy would go on to graduate in 1965 and marry the love of her life in 1966. Together, Kathy and Moe built a life and family that spanned 6 decades and nearly 55 years of a marriage that exemplified mutual devotion, partnership and love of family. Kathy’s greatest joy came from being a mom to Rodney, Casey and Julie and grandma to Molly, Jack, Cate and Casey. When her kids were young, Kathy was a dedicated supporter of education, served in parent-teacher organizations and assisted in their classrooms. Regardless if the event was related to art, theater, choir or sports, Kathy was there to offer kind, insightful encouragement. She loved and appreciated each of her kids and grandkids as individuals and did not miss an opportunity to support their endeavors. To Molly, Jack, Cate and Casey, “Granny” was simply the epitome of comfort, fun and kindness. Throughout their marriage, Kathy admired Moe’s ability to fix or build almost anything including three beautiful homes. Kathy’s thoughtful attention to detail contributed to each of those homes as well as her work as a paraprofessional at an elementary school and later, her job as an insurance adjuster. In 1999, Kathy and Moe moved from Westland to Canadian Lakes where they spent the next 22 years in the community they loved. Kathy took pride in her job at the pro shop and enjoyed the commroderie with her fellow golfers. She organized and participated in the Ladies Cup golf tournament, she was match play champ and even achieved the elusive hole-in-one. When she was not on a golf course, Kathy enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, playing bridge, socializing with her wonderful friends and traveling (she especially loved going on cruises with Moe). Kathy was known for her sweet confections and brought joy to many when she made her specialties: Fudge, buckeye balls and pumpkin cookies. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Robert Killingbeck and her parents Donald and Luella Patterson. She is survived by her daughter Julie Killingbeck; her son Casey, his wife Melissa and their children Molly and Jack; her son Rodney, his wife Kathleen and their children Cate and Casey. Kathy will be missed by her beloved siblings, extended family, lifelong friends down state and many dear friends in the Canadian Lakes community. A memorial service will be held in Spring, 2022 Memorial contributions for Kathy Killingbeck may be made to Spectrum Hospice: https://give.spectrumhealth.org/hospice/donate

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Kathleen A. Killingbeck

May 29, 1947 - October 18, 2021