Kathy Marie Boyer

 Our hearts are broken as we share the passing of our beloved wife, mother, nana, and friend, Kathy Boyer.

Kathy was born on January 6, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Stanley and Marie Jesky. She cherished her Michigan roots, especially spending summers at the family cottage with her cousins.

She met the love of her life, John in college and she became his heart, his purpose, and his lifelong love. Together they raised their family in Birmingham, Michigan. They shared 57 wonderful years of marriage.

Kathy was the proud and loving mother of Eric Boyer, Nicole (Charles) Boyer-Sieber, and Shelly (Roger) Riddle, and the adoring Nana to her treasured grandchildren — Brandon (Kaylee), Kyle (Shawn), Cami, Katelyn (Linus), Zack (Lily), Lizzie, JR, AJ, and Bennett — who were her greatest pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Marie Jesky; her in-laws, Larry and Ann Boyer; and many beloved relatives and lifelong friends who surely welcomed her home with open arms.

Kathy loved life — and she lived it large. She embraced every moment with joy, curiosity, and passion. Her boisterous laughter was infectious; she often laughed until she cried. She was vibrant and unapologetically herself — always “Kathy with a K.” Her zest for life and adventurous spirit inspired everyone who knew her.

An explorer at heart, she loved discovering new destinations, planning trips, and finding hidden gems off the beaten path. Her love of learning never faded; even at 80, she was attending in-person college courses, proving that curiosity and growth have no age limit.

Kathy and John resided together in Arizona for nearly 30 years. However, as proud Michiganders, they frequently returned to “the mitten” to enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan, the changing fall colors, deer spotting, and a refreshing Vernors cooler. Her love of lush green forests, beautiful lakes, and precious deer eventually led them to the historic city of Prescott, where they were warmly welcomed and made great friends and memories together.

Kathy’s love for her family was boundless. Her happiest moments were spent cheering in the stands or applauding from the audience. Whether it was sporting events, dance competitions, or theater performances, she was always her family's biggest cheerleader.

She also had a special fondness for deer — gentle, peaceful creatures that reflected her tender spirit. For her 80th birthday, her family surprised her with a visit to The Grand Canyon Deer Farm, where she “adopted” a deer she lovingly named Patchy. It was one of her happiest days. She became well-known and loved at the Deer Park, where her family is planning to place a memorial bench in her honor.

Kathy lived by the words of the song, “I Hope You Dance.” She believed in living with wonder, embracing every opportunity, and keeping faith through all of life’s turns. She never sat it out — she danced. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, and truly lived.

“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder…And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”

So, in her honor, may we all remember to live like Kathy — and dance our way through life.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations towards a memorial bench and funds for Kathy's beloved deer park, where her memory will live on forever. https://everloved.com/life-of/kathy-boyer/donate/?flow=203