Kathleen Marie Niva

I loved working with Kathy. She loved when the dogs came to visit. We will miss her hugs and smile. -Laura G

Kathy was one of the sweetest people, always ready with a joke and a big hug.

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.

Kathy Niva!! Always in our hearts!! We will miss your smile and the great person you are always!!

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.