Kathy Saunders

1953 - 2026

Kathy Saunders

March 7, 1953 - February 4, 2026

Madison - Kathy Ann (Brennum) Saunders of Madison, WI passed away on February 4, 2026. After a long, hard-fought battle with many health issues, she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, leaving a large void in all of our hearts.

Kathy was born on a US military base in Germany on March 7, 1953, to Lester and Bernice (Weber) Brennum. Her mother passed soon after and Kathy was then raised by her loving paternal grandparents, Milo and Mary Brennum, in Dodgeville, WI. Kathy graduated from Dodgeville High School and met her soulmate, the love of her life, Jeffrey Saunders soon after. Jeff and Kathy married on June 17, 1972, and built a life together in Madison where they raised their three children.

Kathy's greatest pride was her children and her six grandchildren. The unconditional love and spirit she had will be carried on through them. She also took joy in seeing others happy, especially her family, including many furry and feathered friends.

Kathy enjoyed supporting and cheering on her children and grandchildren in their various activities, participating in school organizations, traveling with Jeff, watching Brewers' baseball, crafting, and shopping (nothing made her happier than the joy others felt from her gifts). In her later years, the love for her Cavaliers brought her tremendous happiness at home.

After the birth of her first child, Kathy found her calling as an in-home daycare provider, becoming a second mother for dozens of families for 42 years. She cared for these children as her own, staying in touch with many of them for years, and even decades.

Kathy is survived by her husband Jeff; her children, Shane (Andrea O'Brien) Saunders, Matthew (Jessica) Saunders, and Sara (Scott) Kiley; grandchildren, Ailis Saunders, Michael, Darwin, and Mileva Saunders, and Rossalyn and Linnie Kiley; and sister, Karla Blumer. Kathy was preceded in death by her father, mother, grandparents, and sister, Karen Pena.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the service. A luncheon to follow at the same location.

In memory of Kathy, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org or the PKD Foundation at pkdcure.org.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison, WI 53704

(608) 249-6666