Kathryn "Kathy" T. Guernsey, age 64, passed away Thursday, June 3. 2021 at her home in Traverse City with her husband, Neil, and her family at her side. Kathy was born in Garden City, Michigan in 1957, the daughter of John and Berna Zimba, who moved their family to Traverse City in 1969.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years; children, William Carsten, Randal "Snap" Carsten, Melissa (John) Ockert, Neil (Melissa) Guernsey, and Jay (Jolene) Guernsey; grandchildren, Randal, Zachary, Ethan, Lilly, Olivia, Dillon, Logan, Aiden, Hunter, Quinton, Shelbey, Destiny, Gabriel and Triston; her siblings, Judith (Brandon) Cook, Christine (Dale) Gauthier, Cynthia (Richard) Ansorge, Sandra (Mike) Nesky, Colette Denman, and Roberta (Ken) Zimba-Cassibo; brothers, Ronald Zimba and Robert (Karen) Zimba, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and an older brother, John Jr.

Kathy was employed by Sara Lee for 41 years, retiring in 2018. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, reading and crafts. She loved to entertain her large extended family for holidays and enjoyed the time she was able to spend with Neil away from Northern Michigan winters.

Everyone has a role in a family. Kathy's was being a mother. She began that role as a child and never stopped making sure everyone was taken care of. She will be remembered as a loving, caring woman who always thought of others before herself. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service honoring her life will be held at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 11am in the garden.