Kathleen Nina Prater - McCormick

Kathleen "Kathy" Nina Prater-McCormick, 85, of Temperance, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Kathy was born on October 19, 1940, in New Boston, Michigan, on her grandmother's table, to Alton and Ella (Vandecarr) Peters. From the beginning, her life was marked by resilience, compassion, and deep roots in family and faith. Kathy was a woman of deep and active Christian faith who lived fully by the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her faith was not quiet or passive - it was purposeful and lived out daily. She believed in helping people grow, encouraging them to be better, and guiding them toward kindness, accountability, and compassion through scripture and example. Kathy actively shared her faith with her family, friends, and all those she met, always hoping to uplift, inspire, and help others walk a better path. She pursued her faith with conviction, love, and a genuine desire to see lives changed for the good. Kathy devoted many years of her life to shaping young minds. She began her career as an elementary lunchroom and playground supervisor, later advancing onto supervisory roles, and went to serve with the Smith Road Elementary latchkey program until her retirement in 2002. She found true joy and purpose in her work, always seeing the magic in children. While she taught them about life, she often said they taught her what life was truly about. Kathy had a heart devoted to helping shape little minds and was a natural leader, a role model of positive growth, and someone deeply loved by many. Kathy lived life with energy curiosity and joy. She was adventurous and proudly flew single engine airplanes at McGinnis Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan - a testament to her confidence and fearless spirit. She enjoyed bowling and was a championship winning bowler. She also loved gardening and found peace working outdoors. In her home, Kathy expressed her love through cooking and baking. She was especially for her homemade pies and enjoyed preparing meals for those she loved. Most of all, she cherished time spent at family cookouts with her beloved children - gathering filled with laughter, warmth, and togetherness that became lifelong memories. Those who knew Kathy will remember her gentle smile, calm presence, and the warmth that radiated from her wherever she went. She had a quiet grace about her-never loud, never demanding - yet unmistakably strong. She made people feel welcomed, safe, and loved simply by being herself. Above all else, Kathy was a devoted wife and a loving mother - truly the world's best mom. Her home was a place of warmth, guidance, faith, laughter, and unconditional love. She was an active member of Bridgepoint Church and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilgus Prater; sons, Perry Prater, and Darryl Prater and stepdaughter, Tara O'Keefe. Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Robert McCormick; loving children, Lisa (Gregory) Maynard, Doug (Tina) Prater, John Prater, Randy (Roseanne) Prater, and Brian (Michele) Prater; beloved step-children, Darcy McCormick, Dawn (Doug) Macut, Shannon (Joe) Zeller. Rose Anne Firdous, and Megan McCormick; 20 granchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 3-8 pm, Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, MI, where funeral services will be he;d at 11:00 am Monday, January 12, 2026. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle, Michigan. "Blessed Lord Above, take care of our angel until we meet again some sweet day."www.pawlakfuneralhome.com