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Kathleen J. Hurlburt was born on May 11, 1944, in Highland Park, Michigan. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on August 18, 2025, in Livonia, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication.
Kathy’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family. She was a loving mother to her three sons, Kent, Thomas (Patty), and Michael, and a proud grandmother to her grandchildren Vincent, Hunter and Brianna Hurlburt; and Aidan and Brodie McDowell, Her family was her heart, and she devoted herself to nurturing and supporting them throughout her life.
In addition to her immediate family, Kathy is survived by her cherished siblings: Sue (John) Wallus, Gary (Jenny) Wagatha, John (Marina) Wagatha, and Jim (Candy) Wagatha, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly. She was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Wagatha.
Kathy was an avid lover of the outdoors, often enjoying it with her siblings and friends. She swam and sailed, ice skated, and snow skied. Kathy was also a Detroit Tigers fan, keeping up with the games on television and occasionally attending the ballpark to watch them live. Kathy had a deep love of travel, which she embraced fully during her time with American Airlines — including a memorable ski trip to Switzerland. Later in life, she liked to travel with friends and family far and wide. She loved everything from Las Vegas to road tripping to casinos and small beach towns across Michigan while listening to her favorite music artists.
Kathy’s warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. During her 30-year career at American Community Insurance Company, she made friendships that would last her lifetime. Her dedication to her family, friends, and faith was unwavering.
Visitation will be held at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home in Plymouth, Michigan, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday, August 22, 2025, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Canton, Michigan, starting at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM.
In memory of Kathy, and in recognition of her strength and courage in facing Parkinson’s disease, donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation are welcome. Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Kathleen J. Hurlburt's life, though it has come to a close, will forever be celebrated by those she loved and those who loved her. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide her family as they carry her memory forward.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
280 S. Main St., Plymouth, MI 48170
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
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