Kathleen Marian Desy

Kathleen Marian Desy, born 10/15/1947 passed away 7/9/2023 following a rapid progression of cancer. Although the final days are seldom pleasant, Kathy transitioned with the grace, beauty, and concern for others that she exhibited her entire life.  Kathy was born to Leo and Beulah Lammers in Jackson, MI and remained a lifelong resident.

Kathy graduated from St. John's High School in 1965 and soon embarked on her family life.  Her early adulthood prioritized raising 2 sons and building Lammers Heating & Air Conditioning into a thriving company with her husband Jim. The pair worked there as co-owners for over 50 years.

Making that business successful required a lot or work, sacrifices and worry.  Kathy made sure the essentials were handled and found ways to save for extra priorities including Catholic educations, family vacations and abundant Christmases.  The grandkids and great grandkids reinvigorated her maternal passion, and she supported their dreams and endeavors through constant love, attending sporting events, and travel.  She also found ways to build personal connections with them, from making her famous banana cupcakes which earned her the nickname of "Grandma Cupcake" to buying a radio control car to run the dirt track with the boys.

Her Catholic faith was a critical and guiding force in her life, and she attended St. John's church for 75 years.  She made time to volunteer at both St. John's School and St. John's Church and was a longtime member of Arbor Hills Country Club.  Her husband Jim encouraged and coached her to take up golf late in life, and she scored her first birdie just this year.

Kathy became THE go to resource for family, friends, and strangers alike when times got tough.  Whether going through a breakup, financial trouble, medical issues or family strife, everyone's hotline was to Kathy who provided a voice or reason, compassion, and generosity.

After a lifetime of hard work and taking care of others she eventually prioritized herself and built a beautiful life.  Her fondest memories were of her extensive travels, primarily with her husband Jim.  Some of her favorites included Atlantis, touring the mountain parks of the West and Winters in Florida.  Travel also included Hawaii, multiple trips to Europe and every corner of the US.  She developed a close group of friends that enjoyed concerts, shopping, girls nights out, winery tastings and weekends up North.  She felt truly blessed to have had these experiences and acknowledged in the end that she did everything she wanted to do, no bucket list remained.

Ask anyone who knew Kathy and they will tell you she was the best of something…the kindest, the most generous, the most gracious, the prettiest, the best cook, the best person that they ever knew.  Hers was a life well lived that served many and inspired even more.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Beulah Lammers, sisters Sharon Pickett and Joyce Pickell, sisters-in-law Valerie Romack, Janice Desy and Dorothy Lammers, and brother-in-law Ken Desy.   Kathy is Survived by her husband of 57 years Jim Desy, her sibling Leo Lammers, her 2 children Russ (Alex Schmidt) Desy and Todd (Lisa) Desy, her grandchildren Tyler (Sarah) Desy and Amanda Desy and her 2 great grandchildren Mason and Leo Desy.

Mrs. Desy is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where a Prayer Service will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Robert Pienta officiating.  A private interment will be held at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, July 13 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM.

Instead of sending flowers, contributions to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church or School would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 133 Years