Kathryn Helen LeBlanc

Kathryn "Kathy" (Pawlick) LeBlanc of Traverse City, age 65, died July 5, 2023, at Munson Healthcare Hospice House in Traverse City.

Kathy was born on April 2, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of George and Mary (Collins) Pawlick. She graduated from Marian High School in 1976 and went on to earn a degree in political science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. At Michigan, Kathy expanded and honed her political acumen, which she used liberally throughout her life to passionately defend causes she held dear, which were varied and many. Her dedication to various causes was a hallmark of her character. At college, she also met the love of her life, Brian LeBlanc, whom she would marry soon after her graduation in 1980.

Over the course of their 43 years together, Kathy and Brian embarked on countless adventures, exploring and appreciating the world through traveling and numerous camping, hiking and biking trips-both near and far. At times, perhaps Brian moved a bit too fast for Kathy, but he would routinely glance behind him to ensure she wasn't too far behind. Besides Brian's sporadic spurts of speed, the two were inseparable throughout their many years together, sharing everything, including their perhaps excessive concern over the outcomes of athletic events involving the University of Michigan and Detroit sports teams.

While Kathy and Brian did a great many things together, by far their best collaboration was the raising of their sons Paul Andrew "Andy" and Sean, who did their absolute best for her throughout their lives together, including during her very difficult final days.

Although Kathy and Brian recently relocated to Traverse City, they spent 42 years as residents of Rochester Hills, Michigan, where they raised their family and built lives in the community. Kathy began her professional career in the legal field and went on to serve as an academic adviser for a decade at Oakland University. She later became a passionate promoter of health and wellness programs at the Older Persons' Commission (OPC) Senior Center in Rochester. There, she spent many years leading exercise programs for seniors until she was sidelined by her own health challenges. Kathy was well-known for her devotion to seniors to help them live their best lives, regardless of their advancing age or declining capabilities.

She will be affectionately remembered as a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, instructor, and friend. Her influence and impact on the lives she touched will endure.

Kathy is survived by her husband Brian; sons, Paul Andrew "Andy" of Grand Rapids and Sean (Nonie) of Seattle; sister, Georgiann (Walter) Jagner of Hartland; brother, Thomas Pawlick of Ottawa; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions to honor Kathy may be made to Munson Healthcare Hospice House at https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/munson-healthcare-foundations/areas-you-can-support/munson-healthcare-hospice-support. These donations will be used to support the truly exceptional, compassionate services that Kathy received in the last days of her life.