Alyssa Marie Kalinosky

All who knew Alyssa Kalinosky will certainly agree that she was a bright light in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her. A warm and radiant presence, she spread joy and love everywhere she went, and she worked hard to strive for success in all that she did. Nothing made Alyssa happier than surrounding herself with her friends, family, and beloved dogs. Her compassionate heart led her to impact on the lives of countless others for the better, and she was well known for her creative spirit that allowed her to see the world in a beautiful way. Deeply loved, Alyssa will be forever missed.

1992 was an exciting year for Jim and Dawn Kalinosky of Kalamazoo, Michigan, they were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third child who completed their family. On July 28, 1992, they welcomed their daughter, Alyssa Marie, into the world. Alyssa joined the Kalinosky family as a younger sister to her two older siblings, Tyler and Lauren.

Growing up, Alyssa was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. Her father, Jim, worked at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek while her mother, Dawn, worked at Over the Rainbow in Kalamazoo. Alyssa had fond memories of annual vacations to Traverse City throughout her childhood. They would stay at the Beach Haus Resort, enjoying swimming and boating. In fact, the Kalinosky family grew to be so close with the resort’s owners that Alyssa and her siblings called them Aunt and Uncle. One of Alyssa’s favorite trips was a family vacation to Alaska in 2001. She loved every second of the three weeks the family spent there. Alyssa’s grandparents often took all three of the kids on summer camping trips to locations such as Ludington. She was able to experience and appreciate so much of the nature around her.

Alyssa was raised in the Kalamazoo area, attending local Mattawan schools through the 10th grade. She had to work hard at school but excelled in athletics, becoming a star swimmer and soccer player. Alyssa also fell in love with singing at a young age and was a member of the Kalamazoo Children Chorus. When she was in the 11th grade, the family moved to Novi, and Alyssa finished out her high school education at Novi High School, graduating in 2010. She pursued further education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for a time.

Alyssa’s two border collies, Meeka and Reina, were the best part of her life! As well as her “family dogs” Flash and Vada. She also took care of countless dogs (too many to count) for clients that become friends. Alyssa took amazing care of her dogs and loved taking them along for hikes and camping trips. She once went camping in the mountains in the Carolinas, but it was so cold that she ended up snuggling with the two dogs in the bathroom to keep them all warm. Alyssa would often take the dogs for walks in the preserve off Shaver Road, right across from where she lived. She also loved hiking at Asylum Lake and meeting up with other dog owners. For many years, Alyssa and her dogs were involved with Up Dog Agility Competition as well.

In 2012, Alyssa worked as a preschool teacher for the Great Start Readiness Program. While she loved being around the kids, she eventually followed her heart to begin working as a dog wrangler for Camp Fido. Alyssa’s job at the camp was a natural fit for her. She was so passionate about caring for dogs. Alyssa and her best friend, Shannon, grew to be very close, always looking for ways to support and uplift each other. Her time at Camp Fido brought her so much happiness.

There was so much to love about Alyssa. She was a beautiful writer and found it easier to express herself in written words than spoken ones. Alyssa’s grandmother always said she could write for Hallmark. There were truly no limits to Alyssa’s creativity. She was always smart with her money, being careful to live within her means. Alyssa was a Swiftie and Lauren Daigle fan, and her smile could light up any room.

As friends and family gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Alyssa Kalinosky, it is clear to all that she lived each day with boundless grace and kindness. She faced every challenge that came her way with unwavering determination, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to care for others. A remarkable woman from the inside out, Alyssa was such an easy person to love. Her dedication to caring for her dogs was admired by all, and she did her best to make the world a better place. Though she is already so greatly missed, Alyssa leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Alyssa lost her battle she had been so fiercely fighting for many years and died at her home unexpectedly. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Edmund and Dorothy Kalinosky and by Aunt Laurie Lynne Lawton. Members of her family include her parents: Jim and Dawn Kalinosky; brother, Tyler (Donnie) Kalinosky; sister, Lauren (Anthony) Corrigan and her best friend and partner, Shannon VanStratt. Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 4-7 PM where food, drinks, and stories at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Memorial donations may be made to Jim/Dawn Kalinosky to establish a fund to help care for her two beloved border collies, Meeka and Reina. Celebrate Alyssa's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.