Born in Detroit on February 26, 1944, Kathi met and married Wallace Puska on May 29, 1969. They briefly resided in Troy until Wally purchased the property in Holly, known as The Farm, in 1973. Kathi was a ‘city girl’ but begrudgingly moved to the country where she raised her daughter Heidi and son Kyle. Kathi embraced being a home maker, and a second mother to her children’s friends, ensuring no child went hungry. Kathi was also the softball coach of the Mighty Mighty Tulips, a local female elementary team. As her family flourished, Kathi was known to make her favorite Finnish foods, a bread called niszu, pasties, and various sweets to comfort those around her. Kathi’s cookie jar was always filled, and no hungry friend left without a full belly.
In retirement, Kathi enjoyed travel between Highland, Sanford, Mi and Florida, always loving being near friends and family, always being the queen of hospitality. Kathi loved her ‘farm gatherings’ ensuring there was enough food for the entire county. Kathi enjoyed crochet, and her hobby of crochet meant no one went without a cozy throw. Kathi also enjoyed coloring art books, watching westerns and reading. Kathi had a lifelong love of her dogs and cats, too many to name. Much like her human friends, if a cat was dropped at the Farm, they were cared for and fed daily.
Loving mother of Heidi Puska and Kyle (Brenda) Puska. Proud grandmother of Finn Puska. Kathi will be missed by numerous family members and friends, notably her cousins Lynne, Carol, Keith, and Marilyn, and her lifelong friends, Sue Benner, Carol Woodmancy and Judy Zielke. Kathi was especially close to her neighbor Rachel Smith and local business owner, Steve, who kept her feeling and looking beautiful and Jerry Labatski who kept her house and grounds looking tidy. Kathi was preceded in passing by her beloved husband, Wally Puska; her parents, Raymond and Mae Rudy; and her brother, Peter Rudy.
Kathleen will be cremated and although no service is planned at this time, a celebration of life will be held in June 2024. It was Kathi’s wish all her family and friends would come together to tell tall tales of their experiences with her, and to remember how she impacted their lives.
Friends are encouraged to call upon the family at their leisure, as that was Kathi’s way. Kathi would love her friends to feed strays, both people and cats, fill their bird feeders and enjoy a cup of coffee with those you love.
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