Mary Kathleen (McGraw) Liston

Kathy Liston, 78, of Novi, passed away early Saturday morning, June 7, 2025. She was born on January 2,1947 in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of the late Ambrose (Andy) & Mary (Cooke) McGraw. Kathy attended Healy Elementary School -- and finished grade school at St. Gemma parish school, when it opened. Kathy graduated from Rosary High School with the class of 1965. She then went on to attend the Detroit Business School for one year. Kathy worked at the J.L. Hudson department store while attending school. After completing business school, Kathy was hired at Ford Motor Company, starting as a secretary in the typing pool. After numerous promotions, she ended her Ford career as an Office Manager working with the Parts and Service area in Dearborn and Wixom. Kathy moved to Westland, Michigan where she was a member of St. Theodore Church.

Kathy married Leroy (Lee) Liston on August 6,1983 at St. Gemma Church in Detroit. They honeymooned in Hawaii. Together they moved to Detroit, since Lee worked for the city as a Civil Engineer. In 1986, they moved to Novi and became parishioners of Holy Family Church. Kathy and Lee were members of the church choir. Kathy also was a member of the Hospitality Committee, served on the Parish Council, and volunteered for many events such as the church-sponsored Homeless Shelter. Kathy also assisted in decorating the church for many holidays.

Kathy loved to travel. Kathy and Lee went on six cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean. They also visited many states, even making it to a Rose Bowl on one occasion. They also travelled to Ireland with their church choir, and performed there at a local church. Kathy also loved music. She was a past member of the Plymouth Community Chorus, and was in her church choirs. She also loved to attend musicals. Sadly, Kathy contracted Alzheimer's disease, and she and Lee moved to Fox Run in Novi. Eventually Kathy moved into the Rose Court memory care unit at Fox Run, where she resided for the past five years. Even though her memory was fading, she still loved attending the various resident group activities. Her favorite activity was sing along with Michael. Kathy knew all the words to the songs, and sang along with the other residents.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Lee Liston, brother Kevin (Barbara) McGraw, sister Colleen Kebblish, sister-in-law Lynda Liston, brother-in-law Glenn (Janet) Liston, and many cousins, nieces and nephews (whom she loved to spoil), and friends. In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her grandparents, many aunts and uncles, brother-in-law Allen Liston, sister-in-law Jane Liston, and brother-in-law Jeffrey Kebblish.

The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at St. James Church, 46325 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi; with visitation in the church at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Fr. Ed Zaorski will officiate, with burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 25800 W. 10 Mile Road, Southfield at 1:30 p.m.

Kathy's family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at O'Brien – Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Ave., Novi from 5:00-8:00 p.m., with the rosary at 7:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Alzheimer's Association .