Kathleen Ann McDaniel (Falletich)

Kathleen Anne McDaniel (Falletich) died at the age of 70 on Tuesday, June 21st, at home with her family. She was born on February 2, 1952 in Michigan, and always considered Detroit a part of who she was, regardless of her travels and where she lived through the years. She raised her two children in South Carolina, continued her adventures in California through travel nursing, and then landed in Colorado where she had many adventures in the mountains with her family. She spent her career as a cardiac nurse caring for others, and was well known for her empathy, IV skills, leadership, and ability to connect with and sooth every patient and their family.

Some knew her as nurse Kathie, Mountain Princess, Aunt Sissy, Tapatio, Cuñada, Sis, Momma, AND Meem. She will be remembered as strong, fearless, adventurous, determined, loving, and compassionate. She was a warrior, fighting three cancers in her lifetime with determination and grace. Her cancer never defined her – it fueled her spirit and love of everyday life.

Kathie played by her own rules, she was always up for trying new things, she loved to meet new people and hear their stories; she was a fighter to her core; when she asked how someone was doing, she wanted the real answer; she was an amazing painter, and; she had enough spirit to share with all who knew her. She loved fishing, hiking, golfing (she was awesome), gardening (major green thumb!), and mostly she loved any and all moments with her grandkids and family.

She is survived by her daughter, Meghan and daughter in law, Jen; her son, Adam and daughter in law, Hollis; Grandkids Atticus, Aero, and Conner; her brothers and sisters in law; and a long list of friends that she considered family. She will be welcomed with open arms on the other side by her best friend Betsy; her brother, Johnny; her surrogate mom, Granny (Louise), and her parents.

She was a shining light to her family even during her toughest moments, and it was a great honor for those who knew her and experienced her strength and pure love. Kathie chose to spread her earthly body in some of her favorite places, while her spirit surrounds her loved ones forever. The family will hold a small celebration of life at her favorite island next summer. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please feel free to help the family honor and celebrate her life by sending your favorite photos, videos, and memories/stories to her daughter.

All Kathie wished for in the end was for people to remember her healthy, to pray for and take care of her family, and to remember that the little things in life are really the big things.