Kathleen Mary Paulowicz
September 21, 1964 - June 15, 2024
It is with profound sadness that the family of Kathleen Mary Paulowicz announce her peaceful passing on June 15, 2024 at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, at the age of 59.
More commonly known to everyone as Kathy, she was a beloved partner, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. Kathy was born on September 21, 1964 to Robert and Florence (Magalski) Paulowicz in Garden City, Michigan. She grew up in Detroit where she attended St. Suzanne Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Borgess High School.
Kathy is survived by Robert “Bob” Falin, her partner who she was in a loving relationship with for 34 years. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert (Lorrie) Paulowicz, Patricia (Gary) McNulty, Dianne (Philip) Morin, Kenneth (Megan) Paulowicz; sister-in-law, Joanne Paulowicz; many nieces, nephews, as well as great -nieces and -nephews. Also surviving are Bob's mother, Bonnie Falin, and his sister, Mary (Steve) Hudson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Paulowicz, Bob's father, Robert Falin, his sister, Amanda Falin, and her two cats, D.J. and Bailey.
Kathy was known and described by many as being the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate and loving person, with the biggest heart and the warmest smile. She was highly empathetic and always thought of others before herself. She deeply loved all of her family and friends, never missing a birthday or anniversary and always celebrating them with thoughtful gifts.
“It is very hard to put into words everything that my dear friend, Kathy, meant to me. She was smart, good-hearted, sweet, kind and had a very good sense of humor. ” said Kathy’s best friend, Cheryl Rozum Falin. “We grew up in the same neighborhood, on the same street, since we were babies. I remember walking to grade school with her and listening to her stories. They would go on forever ... and we all would get a kick out of it.”
Kathy’s unconditional love for all of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews was truly extraordinary. She loved them all as if they were her own children. She was always so happy to spend time with all of the children in her life, joking around with them, and of course, spoiling them with lots of gifts and candy. “She was definitely the favorite aunt and I’m good with that!” said Kathy’s sister, Dianne.
Animals held a particularly special part in her heart, especially her dog, Roscoe P. Coltrane, and cat, Lily. She not only cared for her pets, but all the animals outside as well. She always made sure to keep her bird feeders full and loved watching animals that would frequent her backyard.
She was a supporter of the Humane Society of Huron Valley and the Humane Society of the United States. She had a very generous heart and also donated to St. Jude, the American Heart Association, and the Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine.
Kathy loved all things about her home state of Michigan, especially lighthouses and the Upper Peninsula, where she spent many vacations with Bob. She loved spending time reading by the lake, watching Bob fish and the freighters drifting by. She enjoyed reading daily and also sharing that passion with others by sharing and giving books to anyone interested. She especially loved baking and cooking, often trying and sharing new recipes with all of her friends and family. At Christmas she would “accidentally” bake too many cookies and sweets so everyone would have to take some home to enjoy.
Kathy loved to spend her free time using her creative abilities trying all sorts of crafts and art. She delightfully called her most recent hobby “dippin’ dots,” not to be confused with the popular ice cream snack, but diamond art. She wasn’t a huge fan of new technology, with the exception of Facebook, so she could keep up with all the latest news and photos from her friends and family. Since she didn’t spend much time using computers, it isn’t surprising that she had really amazing penmanship.
For 28 years of Kathy’s life she was devoted to working at Brookdale Senior Living, where she loved interacting with the residents, and all of the seniors loved her as well. She was respected and well-loved by her co-workers, many mentioning her kind-heartedness.
Kathy loved the Lord, had a strong faith in Jesus, and always genuinely prayed for others. Her family finds comfort knowing that Kathy is in heaven, surrounded by a mountain of books, and reuniting with her mom, dad, brother, and beloved pets. Her spirit, joy, and love that she brought into all of our lives will remain with us forever.
Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at Our Lady of the Woods Catholic Church, 21892 Gudith Rd., Woodhaven, MI 48183. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m.
Following Mass, a Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at 10317 Mooreville Rd., Saline, MI 48176.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the Cross in the Woods Shrine in Indian River, Michigan.
