Katherine Louise Root

She graduated from Ann Arbor Community High in 1997, then earning three degrees at the University of Michigan: BA (2000), MSW (2003), and JD (2007). As a trained social worker and lawyer with deeply engrained commitments to social justice, Katherine forged a career as mitigation attorney for the Detroit branch of the Michigan State Appellate Defenders Office. She was passionate about her work building cases to present to the court on behalf of individuals who had been sentenced as juveniles to mandatory life terms without possibility of parole.

Katherine was tireless, she cared deeply, and she wrote beautifully. She was equally passionate about living meaningfully, surrounded by her family, her friends, and her pets. She was funny and clever. She made inventive collages and colorful knitted crafts for those she loved. Laughter, loyalty, and tenderness were her specialties, though. We will all miss her more than words can ever convey.

Katherine is survived by her parents, Margaret and Lawrence Root, her brother Benjamin Root, and other relatives, as well as by a circle of very dear friends who count as family. She also leaves behind her in this world her precious cat, Tigra, and her beloved dogs, Tia and Teddy.

Contributions can be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Huron Valley (https://www.hshv.org/ ) and to Ozone House (https://ozonehouse.org).

Plans for a memorial service are in process.