Kathleen Mary Tinney

Kathleen (Dickson) Tinney, 67, passed away on July 17, 2014 after a battle with cancer. She was born on December 6, 1946 in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI as the oldest child to Charles and Edna Irene Dickson. Surviving are her husband, Francis; and children, Michael, Kathryn (Timothy) Pajak, Kristen (Scott) Thompson and Francis, Jr. Kathy earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts, also in English, from University of Michigan. She married Frank in Ann Arbor, MI, September 28, 1974 and the two have lived there since. For 38 years she worked at Eastern Michigan University, most recently as the Associate Vice President for University Relations. She performed several concurrent and important roles during most of her tenure at EMU from her development of EMU's first alumni magazine in her first year of employment, being the author of important presidential speeches and reports to being a significant influence in the progression of women's athletics. During her tenure, she was known for her impeccable dedication to the University. She continued to support the University through her volunteer efforts and monetary contributions, especially to WEMU. Kathy was an example of that rare combination of intellect, talent and passion to the people whom she worked with. Her unquestioned love and loyalty to her family to which she had dedicated her life is seen through her husband and children. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and friend to many. Kathy was an avid sports fan; 40-year season ticket holder to University of Michigan football, never missed watching a Detroit Tigers game and attended years of Eastern Michigan University athletic events, especially football and basketball. She loved to golf, was a voracious reader and lifelong learner. Kathy had an incredibly positive attitude and fought courageously through five years of leukemia and melanoma disease. Kathy touched people in ways that cannot be described and was an inspiration to so many. A visitation to celebrate Kathy's life will be held Monday, July 21, 2014 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel (403 South Fourth Ave) from 3-8 PM. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 10 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Ann Arbor, MI (530 Elizabeth St). Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. - See more at: http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/annarbor/obituary.aspx?n=kathleen-tinney-dickson&pid=171784773#sthash.XwHMme7i.dpuf