Kathleen was born on December 8, 1951 at 4:46 p.m. at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her wonderful parents were Ruth Zitzlaff McCormick and Roy Carlton McCormick.
Kathleen began coming to northern Michigan at the age of two and needless to say many fun family vacations followed. Her beloved collie, best friend, and sister, Fluffy, taught her that critters are people, too!
A trip to California when she was ten endeared the Golden State to Kathleen, where she vowed to return as soon as possible. So,afterearningaB.A.in English Literature at DePauw University in Indiana, she did just that!
Seven of the happiest years of her life followed in a place Kathleen would always consider “Paradise on Earth”. The people she got to meet were phenomenal, including Lucile Ball, Dennis Wilson, and even Lassie.
However, the wanderlust of a young person got the better of her, causing her to explore the East Coast. She got a job in the education department of the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. Also, while in the Washington area, she earned a Master’s Degree from Georgetown University in “writing across the curriculum.”
Her love of the theatrical arts never left Kathleen, though, and she appeared in many community theater plays in Virginia, Florida, and Michigan. Most recently she worked with the Leelanau Players and the Glen Arbor Players.
Being a free-lance writer for the Leelanau Enterprise was another activity Kathleen greatly enjoyed. Kathleen passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 and requests that any remembrances be addressed to the animal organization of your choice.
Kathleen was a Lutheran. A graveside service and burial took place at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery in Indianapolis on Monday, March 11th.
Kathleen and her family were cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
