Kathy A. Mott

Born to Walter and Lillian Mott on June 22, 1950, Kathy's journey began in the vibrant Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a home filled with three generations, she learned the values of family, resilience, and compassion from an early age.

In her youth, Kathy's family relocated to Kendall Park, New Jersey, where she attended South Brunswick High School, demonstrating academic excellence and a thirst for knowledge. She later attended Temple University.

Kathy's professional path was as dynamic as her spirit. Initially embarking on a career as an editor in publishing in New York City, she soon felt the call of adventure and reinvention. Enrolling in flying lessons, Kathy discovered a newfound passion for aviation that would shape the trajectory of her life. She obtained her pilot's ratings, accruing flight hours as flight instructor and eventually launching her airline career.

Over the span of 35 years, Kathy piloting aircraft for airlines including Bar Harbor Airlines, Eastern Airlines, UPS, She was also an Instructor Pilot for Boeing and finally joined United Airlines in 1995. Her career took her across the globe, allowing her to indulge her love for exploration and adventure.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Kathy's love for literature, photography, and education remained steadfast. An avid reader of mysteries and history, she was constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of the world. After retiring, she continued her quest for learning by attending college classes in Chicago, where she and her beloved husband Terry Bowker of 38 years resided.

Together, Kathy and Terry shared a deep and abiding love, embarking on countless adventures around the world. From exploring remote corners of the globe to building a small airplane together, their bond was one of unwavering devotion and friendship.

In the face of adversity, Kathy's indomitable spirit shone brightly. Despite battling ocular melanoma and its devastating effects, she approached life with courage, resilience, and grace.

Kathy is survived by her husband Terry Bowker, Brother Brian Lee Mott (Laurie), Step-son Jeremy Bowker (Francesca),Grandson Jaxson; Mother in law Eve Parsons, Sisters in law, Rebecca Czosnek (Mike), Dee Bowker-Yeaton(Scott), Tina Morris (Julius), Lucinda Brown (Michael) and Barbetta Turner(Len). Kathy is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews; Beloved friends Sally Colwell Sheary, Judy Pielet, Diane Walter, Lindsay Bowker, Eduardo and Anne Kerrigan, Dorothy McBride, Diane and Hartmut Schnell, Brian and Racheal Kash, Dr. Deborah Beaty, as well as numerous pilot and flight attendant friends from her 35 year airline career.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in remembrance of Kathy's enduring spirit and the impact she had on all who knew her.

Though Kathy may have taken her final flight, her spirit will forever be in the hearts of those who were touched by her kindness, grace, and unwavering love for life.

Kathy wished to thank Dr. Sunandana Chandra, and Dr. Samer Attar as well as Dr. Melanie Smith at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. Thanks also to the Doctors and nurses at her clinical trial at Columbia Hospital in New York City. Special thanks to Rainbow Hospice Ark Doctors and nurses of Chicago.

Kathy and Terry especially appreciated the outstanding love and support from Michael and Cindy Brown, it has meant so much us.