Kathleen Kregoski

She was born in Norway to Tony Massa and Catherine (Franke) Massa and was the youngest of seven children. After graduation from high school, she attended Dundon Business School. She and Ted Kregoski met in the St. Marys Church choir. On May 20, 1942, they married there and would remain lifelong members of the church.

Together they had two daughters, Mary (Tom) Bolek of Gladstone and Kathie Palmer of Stillwater, Minn.; four grandchildren, Lisa Bolek, Michelle Bolek, Chris (Maija) Palmer and Matthew Palmer; four great-grandchildren, Mali, Sydney, Drake and Dylan Palmer; and many nieces and nephews.

After 70 years of marriage, she lost the love of her life, Ted, stating: “I love him more today than the day we married.”

In addition to Ted, Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; and her six siblings, Marguerite Brunelli, Ralph Massa, Gertrude Massa, Francis Massa, Alvin Massa and Charlotte Erspamer.

Kathleen’s working career included working at the Gift Gallery, First National Bank and at the office of Dr. William Gladstone, where she worked as a receptionist for many years until her retirement.

During her long life, Kathleen was devoted to her family and church, caring for her elderly parents and sister. She was an active member of St. Marys Altar Society. Her husband, children and grandchildren were the most important part of her life. Wonderful memories of visiting their grandparents are treasured by the grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her amazing cooking skills — an expert at making signature U.P. pasties, a multitude of delicious homemade cookies and bars, and could somehow get a quart of tasty gravy out of a two-pound roast.

Kathleen led a very active life and walked five miles a day well into her 80s. Her advice to her family encouraged them to be lifelong learners with the phrase: “Every day is a school day.”

Most of all she will be remembered for her sweet smile and sparkling blue eyes.

When asked if she had any regrets, she replied that her only regret was that she could not relive her life again exactly as it was!

The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff of Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba for their attentiveness and loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 30, at St. Mary Church in Norway. Visitation will be at 9 a.m., to be followed by the Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. A luncheon will be served in the church hall following services.

Help Kathleen’s kindness, loyalty and compassion live on by making a donation to, or volunteering at, one of these organizations: a food pantry of your choice, Alzheimer’s Association — Greater Michigan Chapter www.alz.org/gmc, or Bishop Noa Home www.bishopnoahome.com.

Interment will be at the Norway Township Cemetery in the spring.

Condolences to the family of Kathleen may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.