Kathleen  Marie Niva

Kathleen Marie Niva

April 07, 1956 - April 18, 2023

Obituary

MADISON - Kathleen Marie “Kathy” Niva, age 67, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at UW Hospital and Clinics. She was born on April 7, 1956, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Donald Niva and Joan (Lund) Niva. Kathleen was a graduate of Madison Memorial High School.


Kathy worked as a custodian for, and was supported by Options in Community Living. Kathy also worked at Goodwill Industries. In her free time, she loved to bowl with her Goodwill friends. She also enjoyed watching Packers and Badgers games and spending time at get-togethers with family and friends. For every holiday Kathy had a special outfit that she would wear. Kathy was very pet-oriented and was especially fond of cats. Her favorite color was green, and she collected all things Yoda and Marvin Martian. Kathy was known for her sense of humor, as she loved teasing family and friends alike.


Kathleen is survived by her brothers, Gregory M. (Lynne) Niva, Steven (Tina Watson) Niva and James Niva; and nephews, Matthew Niva, Alex (Lizzy Martinez) Niva, Michael Niva and Nicholas Niva. She was preceded in death by her parents.


A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, with the Rev. Sandra Schieble presiding. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.
 

Memorials may be made to Options in Community Living. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420




Events

25
Visitation
Tue Apr 25, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
25
Funeral Service
Tue Apr 25, 2023 @ 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
LG
Laura Gates
Other •
I loved working with Kathy. She loved when the dogs came to visit. We will miss her hugs and smile. -Laura G
ER
Erin R
Other •
Kathy was one of the sweetest people, always ready with a joke and a big hug.
MB
Miryam Bernard-Donals
Other •
I have way too many pictures of Kathy to choose just one. Kathy loved taking pictures, looking at pictures and arranging pictures into albums. She would take a picture with me, then she'd ask to see it. If she saw she had been smiling in the picture she would say, "I was happy? I was thinkin' about those cats." "Those cats" referring to my three cats. During the height of the pandemic, Kathy stopped going out on her usual outings, to stay safe. To avoid feeling too cooped up, every Wednesday for the past 3 years, Kathy and I went to my house to eat a MAC's mac n cheese for lunch and visit with "Marien's monkey cats". Kathy and my orange cat, Oscar, had a special bond. Every time she came into the house, she would enter saying "kitty kitty kitty..." in a very specific sing-song kind of way, and Oscar would come running to her. I like to think he knew she was special. Kathy was so gentle, and stubborn, and goofy, and generous with her love. I only knew her for 7 years, but she'll have a lifelong impact on me. I will forever be more patient, more generous with a smile, and put more "oomph" into my hugs, because of her. Thanks for being in my life, Kathy! I miss you.
+ 8
KM
Krissi G options staff member.
Other •
Kathy Niva!! Always in our hearts!! We will miss your smile and the great person you are always!!
IM
Ione Meoska
Other •
Kathy was one of my first students when I taught at Wyalusing Academy in Prairie du Chien in the early 70's. I have fond memories of working with her. My sympathies to her brothers and nephews.
JW
Jenna Wallin
Other •
You were a joy to work with!! You loved everything green, WI badgers, yoda, diet cherry pepsi, babies and cats. I’ll miss your 8:00pm phone calls asking what I’m doing and what my cats are doing. You put up a good fight, but now you can be pain free!!!!

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