Date of Death: April 30, 2021
Service Details
Katherine has willed her body to the University of Michigan for medical research; a memorial mass will be held at a later date.
Obituary Notice
Katherine Ann Stevenson, 75, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, April 30, 2021 at Heartland Health Care Center.
She was born May 4, 1945 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Cyrus Thomas and Mary Ellen (Schloemer) Stevenson.
After many years as a nun in the Third Order of the Sisters of St. Francis, Peoria, IL, she worked for 15 years as a clerk in the Kalamazoo County court system.
She was a Girl Scout leader in Kalamazoo, volunteered for Senior Services in Kalamazoo County, and was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Church Daughters of Mary.
She very much loved her nieces and nephews, as well as her cats, Lovey and Brother. She also loved to pull weeds.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her brother, George (Patricia) Stevenson; nephews and nieces, Cyrus (Sandy) Stevenson III, Patty (Brian) Corwin, Joe (Melissa) Stevenson, Brenda Hayes, James Willma, Judy (Tom) Fetterly, Mike Willma, Katherine (Tom) Brink, Marc (Eavonne) Willma and Jason Willma; many great-nieces and nephews; several close friends she enjoyed spending time with.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Cyrus (Sherry) Stevenson II; sister, Maureen Willma; two nephews and one niece, Jerry, Bridgett and Scott Willma.
Additional Information
Donations in Katherine’s memory may be directed to I.C. Help or to the Three Rivers Food Site. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.
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MY FRIEND KATE
Kate was a perfect example of a true friend. Sometimes in life, you find a special friend who changes your life just by being a part of it. She was easy to convince you there’s an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. She is a forever friend. Sorrow fills my heart during this sad moment, a sorrow that is deep and personal. Kate has silently closed the door of life and departed from us. Our lives will be empty in the areas that she had brightened for us. I offer my condolences to Kate’s family and friends.
Albert Einstein said, “The value of man should be seen in what he gives and not what he is able to receive.” In one word, Kate was a lovely lady who gave. She gave much to her work, her church, her friends and family, and everyone she knew.
I have known Kate since 2000 when I began working for the Kalamazoo Circuit Court. She was a strategic thinker, a visionary, innovative and creative. As such, she contributed much to the Caseflow Department. She gave us her knowledge, her expertise, and her skills. For several years, Kate was my “lunch buddy.” We would go to lunch and simply enjoy the time. Kate’s favorite place to eat was Big Boy’s just down the street from the courthouse. It was a special treat watching her eat her ice cream sandwich at Big Boy’s. She was just like a kid again. Friends are hard to find. Kate was worth her weight in gold. She had an ear to listen, and sometimes a hand to hold.
Through the years of knowing Kate, I’ve learned what it means to be a true believer of God. Kate has shown everyone she knew what it means to walk and live the faith. Although Kate had been in many trials and facing much pain through her life, she would never complain. She always was concerned about others and disregarding her own pains. She was a true prayer warrior for others in her life. Kate truly set an example of thinking about others above yourself. With this example, maybe we should all think about others above ourselves.
Even though our lives are empty and missing Kate, we can be rest assured to know that Kate is in heaven, enjoying eternal peace. One thing is certain, Kate is a friend that can never be replaced, but will always be remembered.
Brett Buzzell – bkbuzz@gmail.com
Our prayers and sympathy to all Kate’s family and friends.
Kate and I (Mary) have been friends since 1st grade Catholic School.
We never stopped communicating with each other. No matter how many miles were between us, cards, letters. phone calls, and in person visits, when possible, kept us connected.
I consider Kate my spiritual mentor and director.
In the fall of 1962 when I began dating Larry, Kate became his friend too, and she has always been there for both of us ever since.
Mary and Larry Broker
I have lost a dear sweet friend. I know Katie has joined her Heavenly family. My memories of our times together will always remain in my heart. Be at peace, my dear Katie🙏❤️
I remember Katie as a friend with a smile, and the ability to laugh at my dumb jokes. I was not suprised to hear that she became a nun, and was glad she made it to one of our reunions. My condolences to the family. She was special and will be missed.
My heartfelt sympathy to the family. Katie and I shared a lot of classes and a lot of laughs together in high school. Her smile and kindness will not be forgotten.