Kathy Smith
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On October 21, 2020 @ 4:06 pm In 2020,Obituaries | 17 Comments
Kathleen Mary Smith, age 72, a longtime resident of Prior Lake passed away on October 17, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 11:00 AM with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM, all at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Kathleen’s two children will act as urn bearers. The mass will be live streamed and can be viewed at the following link: St. Michael’s YouTube. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
Kathy was born in South Minneapolis on May 4, 1948 to parents Wilfrid and Mary (Brandt) Quinn. As an only child, she and her parents enjoyed their trips up north every summer where they fished and spent a lot of time outdoors. She attended Regina High School, graduating in 1966. Over the years Kathy appreciated running into others who attended the same school and sharing stories about their experiences there, which she truly loved. Tragedy struck at age 19 when her father died, and her life was put on hold as she helped her mother run the household.
At one of her earliest jobs as a secretary at a land surveyor company, Kathy met Lee Smith, a fellow employee who sparked her interest and she pursued. Following a first date and several years of dating, they were married on February 12, 1977.
They were blessed with two children, Kevin and Kari. As a family they traveled across the United States, particularly for their children’s soccer tournaments. They always added extra days onto soccer trips to make it a family adventure with just the four of them. They also enjoyed boating together, especially on Prior Lake and the Mississippi River, where often they camped on Dredge Island.
When the kids started school, Kathy went back to work. She was an office manager and worked in finance. Her longest tenure was working for 17 years at the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Kathy served on the Prior Lake Parks Advisory Board for nearly 15 years and built longstanding connections in her neighborhood and community. She enjoyed playing 500 with neighbor and church friend card groups.
She loved being active by playing tennis, doing Zumba, and working out with her Curves group, which became a supportive circle of dear friends. She also reveled in reading and tending to her flower garden, and created thoughtful, delicious meals she shared with family and friends alongside Charles Krug wine or her favorite champagne for the most special moments. The champagne accompanied her every year on a trip she took with girlfriends to a cabin in Wisconsin. She attended every Neil Diamond concert that she could, rooted for the Minnesota Twins each season, and hoped to pass along the delight she felt when watching musicals to her grandkids.
When the grandchildren came, her life was fulfilled. They brought so much joy to her and in return, she brought so much joy to them. She read to them, baked whatever sweets they liked, and covered them in snuggles, hugs, and kisses. Kathy spoiled her grandkids any chance she could with gifts and outings, especially to one of her favorite places on earth – Disneyworld. Most recently, she and Lee traveled by river cruise to experience the tulips of Holland, the architecture of cities like Budapest along the Danube, and the taste of bourbon in the American south.
A tenacious and strong-willed woman, Kathy died peacefully with her husband by her side. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Lee Smith; son, Kevin (Rachel) Smith; daughter, Kari (Adam) Strack; grandchildren, Lena, Logan and Everett and many other loving relatives and friends.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Wilfrid and Mary (Brandt) Quinn; parents-in-law, Norman and Lee Smith.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation have been honored to care for Kathy and her family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Kathy’s favorite charities, which include Special Olympics Minnesota and the Jeremiah Program.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy sounds like a wonderful person who has made the world better and brighter because she was in it. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Dear Lee, Kevin, Kari and families, my deepest sympathy to you all.
Kathy was such a dear sweet lady. I remember Lee all the times at St Michaels. Does not seem that long ago but it is.
I enjoyed working out with Kathy at Curves, lots of fun!
Sending many prayers your way. Kathy will be missed by all!
Sincerely
Pauline Lentner
Dear Lee……We are so sorry to hear the news. We have thought of you both so often over the years. So many wonderful memories with the two of you! You two had so many wonderful adventures. ( I miss picking you two up from the airport) Please know that we are thinking of you, and i wish i could give you a big hug. I will hold you in my heart instead.
Love to you and your family Lee.
Jean and Michael Cowles
Kathy was very helpful on my first day and every day while i was a director on the MN Corn Research and Promotion Council. I would not have taken a leadership role if it was not for her saying “you can do this” or “you got this”
She was always cheerful and easy to talk to.
Prayers to the family during this time
Kathy you are in good hands with your maker
RIP Kathy
Lee – I am so so sorry. Thinking of you and sending prayers your way. -Kim Larson
Dear Spike , Kevin,and Kari and families
I am so very sorry for the loss of dear Kathy. Although we were across the country we’ve always followed all your adventures and fun family times. Kathy was certainly the motherly glue that held the family. She will be so missed but her heart and memories will always be a part of you. You are all always welcome to come visit Manhattan Beach any time. We always have room. We love you all love Mark, Chris,Andy,Erik,and Lizzie ❤️❤️
We are so sorry for your loss. You two always seemed to have a good time at whatever you were doing! She will be missed by many. God bless you all!
Dear Lee and Family… Very sad to hear of your loss. May you have many fond memories and cherish them in your hearts always, Know you have many friends and family to lean on for support. Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers my friend. Larry and Karla Larson
My sympathy to you Lee, Kevin, Kari and families. Kathy was a wonderful person, always great to be with! Her smile was the best! Our days together volunteering at St. Mike’s, to seeing her at Mass and short visit’s after, to her advice of wisdom how very good Cub pharmacy is! She will be missed, but is at peace. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Lee
May Kathy rest in peace. You and the kids are in our prayers. We will cherish the memories.
We will be there virtually and sending virtual hugs
Dear Lee, Kevin, Kari and families,
I am so sorry to hear Kathy has passed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Some of my memories of Kathy involve visiting Snappy in the kitchen and boat rides. Good times.
Lee, Kevin, Kari and families, so sorry about Kathy’s passing. I am so glad I got to talk with Kathy on her walks this early summer. Sending Prayers to you all.
Lee and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your dear loss, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Kathy has such a wonderful heart and kind to ‘everyone’ she meets and with a friendly warm smile. I enjoyed all the time I’ve been honored to spend with her (and Lee). May our memories of her carry us all through. God Bless, may you rest in peace Kathy. I will be with you today via streaming with prayers and my deepest sympathy. Louie
Dear Lee, Kevin,Kari & family
Our hearts are breaking for you at this very sad time. We wish we could be there in person but our thoughts & prayers will be with you during the streaming of her funeral. Kathy was a very dear friend – so many wonderful memories & we will miss her so much. Big hugs to all of you❤️
Love
Denny & Nancy
Lee, Kevin, Kari (and grands) –
Our broken hearts are with you.
With love, memories, and prayers –
Bev and Lindsy
Kevin, I am very sorry to hear that your mom passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Dear Kevin Rachel and Everett,
So sorry for your loss. It was only a year ago this month when we saw her at Everetts Baptism. Her kindness and welcoming spirit will be deeply missed. Prayers and Hugs
Love Paul and Susan