Kathleen R. Chapin

April 5, 1947 - December 16, 2016

Kathleen R. Chapin passed away suddenly in her Saline, Michigan home on Friday, December 16, 2016 at the young age of 69. Kathy was born on March 5, 1947, to the late Leota (Blakley) Kinaitis, and grew up in the Lake Orion, Michigan area along with her step-father, the late John Kinaitis Jr., and her three brothers Eric and Lynn (Butch) Bothwell, and Michael Blakley. She married Steve Chapin on July 20, 1968 and is survived by her two children, Michael Chapin of Clinton, Michigan and Susanne (Chapin) Parra, along with Susanne’s husband Richard of South Riding, Virginia. Kathy has four wonderful grandchildren: Nicolas Parra (12), Isabel Parra (8), Alexander Chapin (12) and Kyla Chapin (8). Kathy is also survived by her brother Eric Bothwell, his wife Gail and their family of Rochester, Michigan and her sister-in-law Beverly Bothwell and her family of Davidson, Michigan. Kathy and Steve enjoyed 48 + years of marriage together while enjoying their family, especially their grandchildren. Kathy had an amazing love for life and everything that glittered. Kathy, along with Steve, family and friends loved to vacation, and especially staying for a month or two in Destin, Florida. Destin held a special place in Kathy’s heart and where she looked forward to visiting during the Winter months. Kathy’s greatest source of joy were her dear friends, family and grandchildren. She cherished her lifelong friends, affectionately nicknamed the “Chick-A-Reeno’s”. Kathy also loved her grandchildren and spent as much time as she could with them and cherishing the special relationships she had with each of them. Kathy was a doer everywhere she lived, volunteering for a lot, and was willing to always help others. She was secretary of the largest home owner’s association while living in Beverly Hills, Michigan (over 500 homes). While living in Texas, she was a docent for the Albany, Texas Old Jail Museum (food chairman). Throughout her 30-year residence in Saline, Kathy was very active in the community and with her children. She was most recently an election official and precinct co-chairman for the City of Saline, as well as Vice Queen and chauffer of the Saline Sexy Sirens Red Hat group. Kathy was also President for two terms, as well as Secretary for many years of the Saline-Brecon Friendship Guild. Kathy, along with Joan Roth, were both known as the “Trolley Dolly’s”, providing snacks and beverages for the long bus trips with our Brecon Visitors. Kathy was one of the founding organizers of the Saline Celtic festival, including Volunteer Chairman (recruiting over 3,000 volunteers in her ten years as Chairman), while also acting as its office manager for over ten years. Kathy attended training at the Ronald McDonald House in Chicago and became one of its volunteer coordinators for over 10 years. Decorating, crafting projects and card making became Kathy’s primary artistic passions. She started her business, Kathy’s Creations, through which she designed custom wedding invitation packages, as well as provided wedding coordinator services. All of Kathy’s cards were originally handcrafted and uniquely made for specific occasions. Kathy loved entertaining, and Red Hat Bunco any time, but especially during the Christmas holiday. The family had a saying that “every flat surface in her house was not safe”. She had some amazing, unique and beautiful winter display everywhere. Christmas held a special meaning to Kathy, and one she always loved sharing with her family and friends. A Memorial Service is planned for Kathy on Saturday January 28, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Saline. Visitation with the family will start at 10:00 AM with the Service at 11:00 AM and a luncheon to follow. At Kathy’s request her ashes will be spread by her family in Destin, Florida this summer. (In lieu of flowers please contribute on Kathy’s behalf to your favorite Charity this is what Kathy wanted)