Kathryn Mae Kennedy Vallad

She was born at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, MI on December 11th, 1957 to parents Jack J. Smiley and Dorothy D. Smiley. Kathy graduated with honors from John Glenn High School in 1975, welcomed her daughter Heather in 1979, and met her husband Gary in 1995. Kathy and Gary were married in June 2002 and just celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.

Kathy loved to travel and spoke fondly and often of her trip to Madrid with her best friend Janet, a cherished Hawaiian vacation with her mother, aunt, and sister, and looked forward to annual trips with her husband, daughter and grandchildren. Kathy loved spending time at her family cottage in Tawas, MI, watching Judge Judy with her husband, and enjoying retirement surrounded by her family.

Kathy was a patriot through-and-through and would often recall her work on the Southfield Board of Planning, her many trips to Washington D.C. in the 1980’s, and her opportunity to hear both President Reagan and President Clinton speak at conferences. Over several decades, she maintained a membership with the American Business Women's Association and served several terms as President and Vice President of her chapter. Kathy had a lifelong passion for music. She played the flute exquisitely and was pretty good on the guitar. The highlight of Kathryn’s musical career undoubtedly was her invitation to perform with other gifted accomplished musicians over the years with the Michigan Flute Orchestra.

For decades, Kathy held many investment securities licenses, ran her own financial planning business, and eventually secured a position at Johnson Controls (now Adient). During her tenure there she attained several U.S. patents, received global recognition for her professional accomplishments and dedication, and participated in the company's partnering with Habitat for Humanity every year for their annual house build.

Kathy had a great interest in both national and local politics. She was actively involved in several conservative grassroots organizations and was a strong supporter of our country’s Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Kathryn is survived by her devoted husband Gary Sr., loving daughter Heather, her sons Justin and Gary Jr (Tashina), her grandchildren Ashlee, Nathan, Anthony, Amber, Ashton, Linkin, Macy, Maddison, Makenna, Natalie, Justin, Brailyn, and Westlyn, as well as great-granddaughters Aurora and Haislee. She is also survived by her siblings Jack R. (Ruth), Jim (Karen), Sherri and nephews Kevin (Auralee), Keith (Ashleigh) as well as her great-niece, Eleanor. Kathy was preceded in death by her loving parents Jack and Dorothy, Aunt Isabel, and granddaughter Alexus.

Her loving family will always recall her kindness and compassion for others as well as her wonderful sense of humor and will cherish her memory forever in our hearts. She was the center of strength for those she loved and was a positive role model for those in her community.

Visitation will be held at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, Michigan 48307 on December 3, 2025, beginning at 11:00am until the 6:00pm service.

Kathy was very proud and supportive of the work her brother Jack does with his local conservation efforts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SaveSibleyPrairie.org.