Katie Leaman

Kathryn Ann Leaman-but as she would always say, "Please, call me Katie."
Katie decided she had explored all she could of this world– 65 countries to be exact-and departed to travel other realms on January 14, 2024. She was 41 years young.
A beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, and, very recently, aunt.
Katie was born on April 15, 1982 in Detroit, Michigan. Her childhood began in East Detroit, and some of her favorite early memories included time on the family sailboat, skiing trips, visiting family in Florida, and going to Disney. She would become the eldest of three children and was fiercely protective of her two younger sisters. Katie was opinionated and spoke up for what she wanted, even as a child. When they moved to Clinton Township, there was a horse farm near their new home. Katie immediately wanted to start riding lessons but was too young (she would have to be eight years old to begin). Upon her eighth birthday, Katie told her parents, "Ok, let's go!" To which they thought, "go where?" And then she reminded them that she was now eight years old and it was time to go sign up for lessons. Horses became one of her life passions-a passion that runs in the family and a dear aunt generously shared her horse with Katie. Katie loved Sahara as her own. Katie loved many animals, starting with her childhood dogs Nikki, Missy, and Cricket. Later in life, her own "boys" held her heart–beloved canines Jake, Kaiser, Moose, and Brady. A sweet kitty Autumn also joined the pack and enjoyed the spoils of being one of Katie's precious pets.
Katie graduated from Dakota High School in 2000 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 2004. She was proud to be a Wolverine and represented her beloved Michigan competing on the Michigan Equestrian Team throughout her undergraduate studies. After graduation, she moved to Washington D.C. and earned her J.D. in 2007 from American University Washington College of Law. Katie began her professional career as an associate at Sidley Austin in Washington D.C. She was with Sidley for seven years and impressed everyone with her intelligence, hard work, and dedication. Throughout school and work she built a large network of friends and trusted colleagues and maintained many of these relationships even after she moved to Evanston, Illinois in 2014 to work for Astellas Pharma. She started as an Associate General Counsel - Regulatory Affairs before being promoted to Executive Director of the Legal Regulatory group. She was a gifted attorney and well-respected amongst her peers for her attention to detail and no-nonsense attitude.
Katie LOVED to travel. There was not a time when she wasn't planning her next trip. She was determined to visit as much of the world as possible and never shied away from an adventure. She explored all seven continents, and said Antarctica was one of her all-time favorite places. Although, after seeing 65 countries and so many wonders of the world, it became hard for her to truly rank them. Her venturesome spirit rubbed off on others as she encouraged friends and family to travel with her. These experiences and memories will be cherished by everyone who accompanied her on her journeys.
Katie was relentless in the face of adversity and had more than her fair share throughout her life, including when it came to her health. In 2021, she was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer. She met the challenges of this diagnosis with tenacity, and viewed her illness as a problem to be solved. Katie researched therapies, talked to specialists, and threw everything western and eastern medicine had to offer against the disease. Katie was kind and believed in karma, so she tried to put out good vibes to the universe. For example, when her health allowed, she baked fresh cookies for the medical staff every time she went into the hospital for a procedure or chemotherapy.
Katie repeated the mantra, "I'm not afraid of dying, I'm afraid of not living," and she vowed to stay as active, independent, and normal as possible. She continued to work despite the rigors of chemotherapy and endless doctor appointments. She continued to travel despite not feeling well. Even as her illness progressed, she was booking one trip to Alaska with a friend and another to Houston with family to see Michigan play in the National Championship football game. Unfortunately, her health did not permit her to go but Michigan won for her and she knew it. Go Blue! Katie amazed and inspired all with her positive attitude, determination, and fight. She will be so dearly missed.
Daughter of Jerome "Jerry" and Deborah "Debbie" Leaman (nee Bowman).
Sister of Kimberly "Kim" Leaman and Kelly Donahue (Scott).
Aunt of Nora Kathryn Donahue.
Niece of Christine Leaman (Paul Logan), the late MaryKathryn Ahleong, Larry Leaman (Cindy), Bruce Leaman, Mark Leaman, Lynn Davidson (the late Jerry), David Bowman (Janetta), Paul Bowman (Karen), and Lauri DeGrove.
Cousin of the late Scott Davidson, Sheila Schneider (Kyle), Eric Bowman, Delmar Ahleong (Mikey), the late Philip Leaman, Christine Ahleong, Stephanie Pelton (Chris), Matt Bowman (Alyssa), Kristen Bowman, Patrick Leaman (Diana), Peter Leaman, Ben DeGrove (Kaitlyn Johns), Thomas DeGrove, Sam Leaman, Gina Leaman, Victoria Schneider, Alex Schneider, Brianna Bowman, Riley Bowman, Lydia Bowman, Walter Bowman, Mac Pelton, Lincoln Pelton, Irene Pelton, Eli Pelton, and Emily Leaman.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Stephanie Leaman and Bernard and Donna Bowman.
Family will receive friends on Friday, January 19, from 3-8PM and on Saturday, January 20, at 10AM until a Sharing of Memories Service at 11AM at A.J. Desmond & Sons 2600 Crooks Rd. Troy, Michigan. (248) 362-2500. The service will be live streamed and available to view from a link under obituary events.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial tributes are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8274504&fr_id=154020&pg=personal or to your local animal shelter.