Mary Katherine Welsh

Mary Katherine Welsh, known as “Kathy” to all that knew and loved her, passed peacefully from this world at her home on Thursday, September 18, 2013. Born as the fifth child of John and Teresa Welsh on April 12, 1954, Kathy never let Down Syndrome ruin her life. Further, seeing what some would call a disability as an opportunity for Love in Action, Kathy’s family rallied around her to provide the strong foundation of love from which she was able to achieve great things. Kathy had four older siblings: Wilma Welsh DeHay, who cared for her with unfailing love and patience, Ronald Welsh, Gary Welsh and Michael Welsh. Kathy was also loved and supported by numerous nieces and nephews. Taught first at home by a loving mother, and a professional educator, Kathy achieved a high reading level – a skill that she used every day. Kathy continued her education at Starkey, Inc. and eventually worked many years in several of Starkey’s labor initiatives. As a youth, Kathy enjoyed playing basketball and riding her bike. Somehow, these passions morphed into an intense enjoyment of the game of tennis as an adult. Kathy could often be found in her room, her attention riveted to a match on television or clipping her weather and sports articles from the newspaper, usually before anyone else had a chance to read it! Kathy kept her mind sharp by working daily in her workbooks and mind teasing puzzles. Kathy was also keenly involved in daily meal planning, assuring each meal was balanced and nutritious. Kathy had a sharp and eclectic fashion sense and loved having her hair and nails done. She loved her pretty dresses and always assured she had her scarf and matching dangly earrings. Kathy was not immune to the magnetism of Elvis and considered herself one of his greatest fans. Often on Saturday mornings, she could be found in the basement belting out some of her favorite Elvis tunes along with his records. On one momentous occasion, Kathy even traveled to Las Vegas to see Elvis, a trip that had great meaning to her. Although Kathy’s room is empty and our hearts are heavy with loss, we take great comfort that she now enters her eternal life. She is unbound from all disability and welcomed home by her loving parents, all that went before her, and her Heavenly Father. Graveside services will be held at 10am Monday, September 23, 2013 at Resurrection Cemetery, 1640 N. Maize Road, Wichita. No visitation.