Farewell, Auntie Kathy.

Back in July, many of you began helping us purr and pray for our amazing Auntie Kathy (who had been diagnosed with cancer in April).  Your friendship, love and support was -- and is -- a great source of encouragement and strength, and we are so very grateful for all of you. :)

We wanted you to know that Auntie Kathy lost her battle with cancer this past Sunday night.  She was at home, and her passing was peaceful, with her two beloved daughters, my sister and other loved ones by her side.  We miss her already, but know that she is now at peace and in a much better place.

To know Auntie Kathy was to love her.  And everyone who met her did just that.  She had a smile that lit up every room she entered, and she was a source of peace, kindness, wisdom and hope to all with whom she came in contact.  She was also a huge animal advocate, who along with her daughters (my cousins) Mari and Alysa, fostered many a kitten for their local animal shelter.  Oh, and she was an awesome Scrabble player (everyone -- and I mean everyone -- in our extended family knows well the bitter taste of Scrabble defeat at her hands). ;)

Auntie Kathy was truly exceptional and remarkable.  The world, and all of us in it -- humans and animals alike -- are better because of her.  Here's a wonderful collage of her, through the years, that our Uncle Eugene (her brother) put together:

Godspeed, Auntie Kathy.  We love you always.