Kathy Kallal Roberts, 73, passed on Friday, March 31, 2023, in West Bloomfield, Michigan, after a long illness.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John George and Theresa Kobart Kallal and James Patrick and Mary Louisa Mackey; and her parents, Charles Edward ''Chuckie" and Lucille Mary Kallal; and sister, Lynn Ann Kallal; and brother-in law Frank Mirandola.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Grover Roberts; daughter, Mary Ellen Loveridge and husband, Dr. Kristian Loveridge, her grandsons, Bennett and Connor; daughter, Kathleen Roberts; and sisters, Mary Lou Pehlke, Ellen Mirandola; and nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Kathy was born on October 5, 1949 in Oak Park, Illinois. She graduated from Ascension Catholic grade school in Oak Park and Trinity High School in River Forest. After graduating from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelors in Education, and as a member of the Chi Omega Sorority, she went on to also earn a Master's in Education from the University of Tulsa.
While in Tulsa during her undergraduate studies, she met and became engaged to her beloved husband and loving partner, Grover Roberts. They were married on September 25, 1971 at the Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park, Illinois.
The Roberts lived in several different locations – Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Edmond in Oklahoma; Branchburg, New Jersey; and several years ago moved to West Bloomfield, Michigan to be near their daughter, Mary Ellen, and her family.
Kathy was a talented and passionate teacher. She taught in Tulsa and Oklahoma City public schools, from 1971, retiring in 2012. She was dedicated to teaching young minds how to read, especially at-risk youth. The smile on Kathy's face could light up the whole world when she heard "Mrs. Roberts" in random places from previous students who were now grown up and grateful she had helped them learn to read.
Her many interests and talents included traveling, reading, cooking, and collecting cookbooks (Ina Garten was a favorite) and antique china. She could often be found on weekend shopping trips to Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn, and always enjoyed a lunch out with family and friends. She also treasured many long weekend adventures with her husband, Grover. Kathy was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.
She cherished every moment as Nana to her grandsons, Bennett and Connor. She recently enjoyed a trip back to Chicago to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband and family. Kathy loved talking with friends and family and was affectionately called "Chatty Kathy".
Kathy's great sense of humor and indomitable spirit carried her through life, and definitely helped her weather her ongoing health struggles over the last seven years. Kathy will always be remembered for her kindness and the fierce love she had for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
A funeral mass will be held April 4, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Gerald Church Farmington, MI. with visitation from 10:30 am until time of mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to
National Kidney Foundation click here to contribute
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016