Kathy Genene Sivek

Kathy Genene Sivek TRAVERSE CITY – Kathy Genene Sivek, age 65, of Traverse City passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at her home in the loving care of her family. Kathy was born to Gene and Alma (Throop) Reid on April 2, 1952 in Traverse City, MI. Kathy is a native of Traverse City, having been born and raised. She graduated from Traverse City High School (now known as Central High School) where she was a cheerleader, and immediately following graduation she enrolled in the nursing program at Northwestern Michigan College where she obtained an associates degree and her LPNII. After graduating from college, Kathy went to work as a surgical scrub nurse at the Osteopathic Hospital. After working for over 20 years as a surgical nurse she then decided to stay home, and raise her children, where she was known lovingly as “Big Mom”. Kathy and her husband Bob became foster parents, and took in many children throughout the years. Kathy and Bob were together for six months before getting married in 1976 in Traverse City, MI. Together Kathy and Bob have been through it all, they raised their family and did anything they could to give back to those in need. Kathy always had an extra plate available and was always willing to give the shirt off her back. She had Bob put in a pool in the back yard, where Kathy would teach children how to swim, anywhere from infants to toddlers, she had them swimming in no time. Kathy loved to dance, and was never afraid to embarrass her children, whether it was at home or in the grocery store, she was strong willed and if she wanted to bust a move, she’d do it. Together Kathy and Bob loved to ride their Harley, going on trips whenever they could. They also loved spending time at the cottage on Lake Leelanau, where family reunions were held. Kathy especially loved the Fourth of July, and getting everyone together for a party, she beat to the rhythm of her own drum and knew how to guilt everyone in to getting together for a good time. Kathy is survived by her husband, Bob Sivek, daughters; Genell (Adam Harvitt) Sivek, Bethany (Will) Muha, sons; Calvin Sivek, Allen Sivek, and Tyler Sivek. Kathy is also survived by her parents, Gene and Alma Reid, sisters; Lori(Pat) Kirkey, Jeri(Denny) Braun, and grandchildren; Grace Lynne, Willie, Brooklyn, Harleigh, Easton, Lily, Max, and Xander. Kathy was loved and will be missed by many, she leaves behind many friends, the foster children she cared for over the years, and was known as a “bonus mom” to many. It was beyond important to Bob that Kathy stay at home until the very end, in which Bob fulfilled the promise he made, she stayed in the comfort of her home, surrounded by all of those that loved her, she passed away peacefully with her family by her side. A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 11:00 am with a visitation one hour prior. Paul Holland will officiate. Immediately following the celebration of Kathy’s life there will be a luncheon held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 409 W Fourteenth Street, Traverse City, MI. One of Kathy’s favorites was “Forever in Blue Jeans” by Neil Diamond, so with that the family encourages anyone who plans on attending Kathy’s life celebration to be casual in blue jeans. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cowell Family Cancer Center, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684, or Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Suite 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Kathy Genene Sivek

April 2, 1952 - November 7, 2017