"My deepest sympathy to you and your family. We know John through our daughter at school and Kathy can be in peace knowing that she raised an Amazing boy. He always makes a point to say hi even if he is on the other side of the room and always has a good word (as well as licorice to share :-) We are here for you for whatever you need honey."
In loving memory of
KATHY J. PAPCIAK
July 20, 1962 - July 10, 2008
Kathy Papciak, 45, of Gwinn, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, July 10, 2008 at her home.
Kathy was born to Ruth and the late William J. Cleary on July 20, 1962 at St. Mary's Hospital in Marquette and was a 1980 graduate of Marquette Senior High School.
After graduation, Kathy enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving her country for three years at Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
She was formerly employed at Continental Federal Savings Bank in Fairfax, Virginia as a jumbo loan processor. She was also employed at First of America Bank in Marquette as a loan secretary.
Her hobbies included a deep love for animals, especially cats. She loved the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, enjoyed taking walks along the Lake Superior shoreline, reading, and swimming. Kathy was a big Ronald Reagan fan and was very proud of her Irish heritage.
Kathy's husband, son and her cat were the most important things in her life.
She is survived by her husband, John A. Papciak of Gwinn who she married on July 2, 1983 at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette; one son, John W. Papciak of Gwinn; one sister, Paulette (Paul) Yelle of Overton, NV; two brothers, William J. Cleary and Robert Cleary both of Marquette; a brother-in-law, Timothy Sawyer of Sault Ste. Marie; two aunts, Joyce Chiri of Negaunee and Margaret Jeanson of Marquette; also several nieces, nephews, cousins and her beloved cat, Salem (Tailey Arthur). Preceding her in death besides her father in 2001 was a sister, Constance Sawyer in 2007.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 15th at 3 p.m. at the U.P. Bible Camp, 430 Bible Camp Drive, Little Lake with Graham Martin and Rev. Ron Westman presiding. A reception for family and friends will take place at the Bible Camp immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to an education fund to be established for Kathy's son, John W. Papciak, P.O. Box 181, Little Lake, MI 49833 or to the Marquette County Humane Society, 84 Snowfield Road, Negaunee, MI 49866.
Kathy's obituary can also be viewed at www.canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
The Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Tributes
"John and family, We are so sorry to hear about Kathy. We will be home in Little Lake on Wednesday the 16th, if there is anything we can do to help your family, don't hesitate to ask. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Gary and Calli (Suardini)Borg"
"Dear John and family, Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you in this time of sorrow. Here is an Irish Blessing for you! "May Our Lady, who with a mother's love, wipe away our tears and make all manner of things well, intercede on behalf of those suffering the pain of loss. May God heal their grief, strengthen their faith and grant that their loved one rests in peace with Him for all eternity." John, in the days before you, pray to Kathy to help you through these rough times, she will not let you down! You are in our prayers, All our love,"
"Dear John and John Jr., I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have such fond and special memories of Kathy. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. My love to you both, Colleen"
"To: John and son John, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family from your NAPUS family. Sheree Smith, Area Director of the 498 zip area."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Kathy was a beautiful person and we feel fortunate to have known her. We will cherish the memories we have of the great times our families shared when John and the girls were so little and we were so new to parenting. Kathy was a loving and attentive mother and wife here too brief a time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know how we can best be of help."
"John, It will be the little things that you will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter. And although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories of these little things that help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"My deepest sympathy to your entire family. I am a schoolmate of Kathy's. We shared many, many fun-filled evenings at the roller rink together as well as some mischief and too many laughs to count in high school. Even though we lost touch with each other after high school, I have thought of her often and will always remember that bright smile and twinkle in her eye. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Tina (Smith) VandeZande"
"John, We are so sorry for your loss. We did not know Kathy, but understand that she was a very special person. Our prayers are with you and your son."
"Dear John, We are so sorry for your loss. I know how much Kathy meant to you, and you and your son are in our prayers. Call if you need anything. You have always been so helpful to us, from the loss of our granddaughter to my troops card projects. You are in our prayers. God Bless you."
"Dear Johnny, It's been such a long time. I remember a pretty little girl who was just so in love. I can't imagine the agony that took her from you and young John. She's with the angels. My heart and prayers are with you. Love, Patti ."
"To John and your dad, There are no words at this time. As you know, I recently went through loss myself. You were one of my best students and want you to know that my door is always open with an ear to lend any time at all (361-6921). You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and know that you are not alone. I pray for God to carry you through the days ahead."
"JOHN. MARILYN AND I ARE VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS, WISH WE HAD KNOW EARLIER WE WOULD HAVE BEEN AT THE SERVICE. AGAINOUR SINCERE CONDOLANCES."
"I do not know Kathy but I just wanted to tell John that I will be praying for him and that if there is anything I can do for you, let me know."
"John and his "little fire cracker" John, My families heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your son. If there is anything we can do for you John or if you just need to chat-- Love you guys--"