Kathryn Messina

Kathryn Messina, 64, of Traverse City, passed away suddenly on June 14, 2023 at Munson Medical Center. Always the brightest smile on her face, if there was a book named after her, the title would surely be “Hi, I’m Kathryn!”. There were no strangers to Kathryn, only new friends to meet. Kathryn, born Kathryn Mary Minster on April 23, 1959 was the model of integrity, honesty, and absolute pure goodness. She was born in Staten Island, NY to Marilyn (Monahan) and the late John Minster. She was one of five children, and the only girl. You may know her as Kath, Kathy, or Kathryn depending on when you met her, but regardless of how you knew her, both she and you are better people for the relationship you shared. Kathryn always said that her family was her number one priority. Although her family knew it, they would say that they shared Kathryn with the whole town. Prior to her 17 years of teaching with TCAPS, she was a freelance journalist and published writer. But her favorite career path was that of a stay-at-home mom to her two best boys Sam and Nick, whom she endlessly cared for and unquestioningly supported. Kathryn was a physical fitness fanatic, competing in triathlons (occasionally doing more than the course actually required just to finish a conversation), open water swimming, cross country and downhill skiing, and biking to name a few. She rode 64 miles for her last birthday in April to mark her number of years on earth, and had done it many years prior. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and an avid reader who loved the good-old-fashioned, in-your-hands books. Add in a beach and you have the perfect recipe for Kathryn’s “Happy Place”. The fastest talking, loudest laughing, sweetest and most supportive friend one could ever have will surely be missed. Even though we all feel cheated by her leaving us so early, we should be grateful to have known someone so special. In remembering her life and the many ways she added to ours, we can take a final, comforting cue from her as we place her in our hearts and say “There” with a smile. Kathryn Messina is survived by her sons Sam and Nick, her mother Marilyn, her brothers Jim, Paul, and Steve, and her two favorite pups Chester and Otis. An open house gathering will take place on Friday June 23, 2023 from 3-6pm in the Gardens of Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Kathryn Messina

April 23, 1959 - June 14, 2023