Katherine Mary Shuler

Kathy was born in Detroit and grew up on the east side. She graduated from Bishop Gallagher High School and went on to get a degree in Civil Engineering at Michigan State University.
She spent her professional years as a Project Manager with Ford Motor Company and Walbridge-Aldinger, among the first females to hold that position.
Kathy spent a lot of time promoting and participating in Detroit's hydroplane racing community. To say she was a fan understates both her passion for the sport and her involvement. No matter what organization was handling the Gold Cup or Spirit of Detroit races, Kathy was on hand to help, chair a committee and offer advice. She also enjoyed actively joining in the fun, driving her own Jersey Speed Skiff, Whizz Bang, around the Detroit River course.
Kathy also held a seat on the Great Lakes Maritime Institute board for 28 years. GLMI was instrumental in raising funds for the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. In her time with GLMI, she led or participated in almost all annual events, and many of the individual initiatives of the Institute. She was intimately involved in the Annual Dinner, Marine Mart, production of Telescope magazine, GLMI membership promotion, and innumerable auctions and fundraisers for the organization.
Kathy was also one of the founders of "Pioneers of Powerboating. This group spread the word about Detroit's deep and lasting legacy of international racing, particularly with regard to hydroplanes and the Gold Cup.
And through most of it she was joined by her significant other, long-time GLMI board member and racing partner Earl Stilson. Besides Earl, Kathy is survived by sister-in-law Joanne Shuler, cousin Carol (Bob) Roose, nieces Diane Gibson, Susan (Jeffrey) Brack and Linda Shuler. as well as grand nephews Stewart & Daniel Gibson, Joshua & Jason Brac and Hannah & Kassidy Rees.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Mary Ellen Shuler and sibling brother Raymond Shuler.
In lieu of flowers, it was Kathy's wishes for donations to Great Lakes Maritime Institute, P.O. Box 1990, Dearborn, MI 48121. GLMI is a 500(c)(3) non-profit tax deductible organization. All donations are appreciated.
A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 3pm-7pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc. - 16300 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Park, MI. A memorial service will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 12pm, with a memorial gathering prior at 9am, at Chas. Verheyden, Inc. in Grosse Pointe Park.