Kathryn "Kathy" (Kozubal) Salvati

Kathryn “Kathy” (Kozubal) Salvati passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025 surrounded by her family after a long battle with stage 4 breast cancer. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan on September 11, 1941, to Anthony and Martha Kozubal. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Bay City, Michigan and was a member of the graduating class of 1959.

As the eldest of six children, Kathy embraced the role of big sister or mother figure to virtually everyone she knew. Her most treasured gift was that of being a mother to her beloved son. She was the embodiment of all that a mother should be, kind of heart and generous in spirit. Anyone who was blessed to know Kathy felt the love which naturally emanated from her. At the same time, she was a strong woman with equally strong convictions. As a nurse of 55 years, she was a cherished mentor and extraordinary caregiver. Kathy was deeply devoted to her profession and her patients. She was a warm, caring and loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. We rejoice at the thought of her resting in eternal peace.

The family would like to thank Kathy’s care providers. Dr. Lily Sabouri and her MA Edith, who became like family. Dr. Amy Vander Woude with special thanks to Lilly Stallmer PA for their exceptional care, as well as their team at the Cancer and Hematology Center in Grand Rapids and Dr. Drue Orwig at Corewell Health Grand Rapids Wound Care. We are eternally grateful for the exemplary care they provided throughout her courageous battle with breast cancer.

Kathy leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, Jerome Horonzy; daughter, Jackie (Alan) Cooley and her granddaughter, Alex (Robbie) Drew; siblings, Linda (Mike) Smith, Carol (Dick) Kuhn, Tony (Sue Rupp) Kozubal, Michelle (Walter) Stack and Jane Kozubal, many nieces and nephews and her special great nephews, Jaxon and Wyatt Walter. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Martha Kozubal; husband, Dr. David Salvati and her niece, Jennifer Lynn Kozubal.

At the request of Kathy, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at the Gephart Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family.