Kathleen Marie McMyler

Kathleen Marie McMyler, best oldest sister ever, passed away at her home on May 27, 2022, of natural causes. Kathleen was a beautiful, brilliant, kind, and generous daughter, niece, sister, and aunt. Our hearts will forever have a missing piece. She is preceded in death by her parents William F. and Eileen F. McMyler (Weber).

Kathleen was born in New York City on February 5, 1959. She was the eldest of seven, a role she took seriously, but did not always relish. She was incredibly private and shielded her family from concerns about her health and well-being. She was a role model to her siblings: athletic, musical, brilliant, and kind. She could bat a ball out of the park, lug a baritone saxophone up and down the field during Grissom football half-time shows, and recount endless movie scenes. An independent adventurer, she traveled extensively in Europe until she cut the trip short to be home for the holidays. As a young woman, she embarked on a 700-mile bike ride in Australia. She loved a good movie, leaning towards the quirky. An avid reader, there was not a book Kathleen did not love. Making sure no book was left without a home, she volunteered with the massive VNSA book sale for years, and enjoyed the many friends she met there. As an eclectic collector, she filled her walls and shelves with objects d’art reflecting her many interests and moods.

Kathleen was a National Merit Finalist. She attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville on a Merit Scholarship. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Literature, her true passion. Kathleen was proud to be an engineer, following in her dad’s footsteps. Kathleen’s career took her to Phoenix as an aircraft control systems engineer, where she worked for Garrett. She stayed with Garrett as the company transitioned through many name changes, finally ending her career with Honeywell. Her relocation enabled her to continue her long-standing friendship with her pal Leslie. Distance away from her family and old friends inspired her thoughtfulness. She would bestow surprise boxes full of carefully selected books, movies, and Arizona offerings, perfect for the recipient.

Kathleen will be deeply missed by her six siblings Eileen (Jeff), Sean, Michele (Matthew), Maureen (Eddie), Annie (Frank) , and Kevin; nieces and nephews Ashley, Katie, Frankie, Abby, Emma, Julia, Andrew, and Emma; grand-nephews Jace and Timber. She is also survived by close friends, numerous cousins, aunts, and an uncle who claims she was his favorite. Kathleen will be interred in Huntsville, Alabama.

A visitation for Kathleen will be held Wednesday, July 27, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 625 Airport Rd, Huntsville, AL, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:00 AM. Friends and family are welcome to Kathleen’s inurnment at Valhalla’s Chapel of Peace at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Kathleen’s memory to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the McMyler family.