Kathaleen Joan Fitzhenry

Kathaleen Joan Fitzhenry, "Kathy" age 60, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at Munson Healthcare in Traverse City, Michigan, surrounded by her loving family. Kathy was born on January 20, 1965, in Bay City, Michigan, the daughter of Mary Ann and the late Ronald Redlin.
Kathy's early years in Bay City were filled with the warmth and support of a loving family. She was the beloved daughter of Mary Ann (the late Earl) Gonyaw, and the late Ronald Harley Redlin. Her journey through life was shared with her siblings, Kerry (Joseph) Gartland, and Kevin (Vicki) Redlin, along with their children, who will cherish their memories of her.
After graduating from Bay City T.L. Handy High School in 1983, Kathy's quest for knowledge led her to Delta College, where she completed two years of study. Her path then took her to Gaylord, Michigan, where she began her professional journey. Kathy's career began as a sales consultant for Hogan's Jewelers before taking on the role of operations assistant for Ward Lake Energy. Her exceptional skills and unwavering reliability eventually led to her recruitment by SRW Energy, which later became Riverside Energy. There, she continued to serve in operations and day to day management, ensuring the smooth operation of the business with her usual grace and efficiency.
Kathy's life was a testament to her loving nature and her faith-filled heart. She found her greatest joy in the company of her family. As the loving wife of Brian and the cherished mother of Devyn Fitzhenry (Anderson Davis), and Darby (Troy) Garrett, Kathy's world revolved around her husband and daughters. She was the epitome of a "Hockey Mom," showing unwavering support for her daughters' involvement in youth hockey, traveling to countless rinks and volunteering her time to the Otsego County Hockey Association.
Beyond her husband, daughters, career, and managing the household, Kathy loved her time spent with her cherished pups. She shared a special bond with her dogs, first with Boomer who passed and then with Oscar, both of whom she cherished deeply. Kathy's love for sunny days by the lake was well known, as she relished the opportunity to bask in the sunshine, soaking up every ray of light. Fitness was another of Kathy's passions, as she made the most of every chance to stay fit, working out regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Kathy's thoughtfulness extended beyond her immediate circle, as she touched the lives of many with her kindness and genuine concern for others. Her legacy is one of love and selflessness, and those who knew her will remember her as a woman who lived her faith through her actions, always putting the needs of others before her own.
A Memorial Visitation for Kathy will be held at Nelsons Funeral Home, 135 N. Center Avenue, Gaylord, Michigan on Friday June 27, 2025 from 4 – 8 pm, with a Prayer Service at 7:30 pm. Officiating the services will be Pastor Scott Distler.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations in Kathy's honor may be made to: Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders, 5501 US 131 South Petoskey, MI 49770.
Please share your stories and memories of Kathy at the "Share a Memory" section. Arrangements entrusted to Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services, Gaylord, Michigan.