Kathleen Ann Dwyer (Torpy)

Dwyer (Torpy), Kathleen Ann

Passed away unexpectedly at home on November 1, 2023.  Kathy was born in Jackson on September 17, 1942 to her parents Helen (Dolan) and Roderick Torpy.  She graduated from St. John's High School in 1960.  She attended Jackson Community College before transferring to Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree. After graduating from MSU in 1964, she taught in the Jackson Public Schools for 30 years and during that time, earned her Master's Degree from MSU.  She was an elementary school teacher, a special education teacher, and a reading specialist.  Upon retiring from JPS, she supervised student teachers for ten years for the Michigan State University College of Education.  During this time, she also tutored students privately and facilitated reading instruction at elementary schools in Jackson.  Even in retirement, Kathy was sought out as an expert in literacy instruction and continued to support literacy in the Jackson area for many years.

Kathy was married to Thomas Dwyer for 29 years.  During this time they had three children:  Matthew (Pamela) of Montverde, Florida, Michelle Dwyer of Evanston, Illinois, and Marcy (Nicholas) Dent of Marshall, Michigan; grandchildren Connor (Abigail) Dwyer, Emma (Brit) Dwyer, Keagan Dwyer, Anna Kate Dwyer, Caitlyn Wolfcale, Anthony Dent, Dominic Dent, Maria Dent and great grandchildren Carson Dwyer and Iley Wolfcale. She was tremendously proud of her children and grandchildren for their many accomplishments. She was a beloved sister-in-law and adored her many nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Roderick Torpy. Kathy was an active and adventurous person. She enjoyed all things outdoors, especially golfing. She loved to travel throughout the United States and even traveled to numerous European countries with her family and friends. Her  favorite place of all was her summer home on Lake Superior in Brimley, Michigan. She loved all animals; however, her dogs held a special place in her heart.  She found great joy in attending her grandchildren's athletic events.  She enjoyed social gatherings, watching Spartan basketball, and playing cards with her friends and family.  Her smile, sense of humor, and baking skills will be missed.  Kathy was a natural caretaker, was loved by many, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Rita Catholic Church, Clark Lake, Michigan, with Father Thomas Helfrich, O.S.F.S. officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 8, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 6:30 PM.  The family will also receive friends at the Church on Thursday from 10:30 AM until 11:00 AM.

Instead of sending flowers, contributions to St. Rita Catholic Church or the Jackson County Animal Shelter would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 133 Years