Kathryn Try

The Try family would like to announce the passing of Kathy Try, 86 years old, born September 28, 1936 earning her angel wings on October 28, 2022. Kathy was born in Kalamazoo MI, raised her 4 children in Portage, MI and resided at Hearthside Apartments in Portage, MI where she lived independently through the help of Senior Care Partners, PACE. After a brief hospital stay, Kathy entered Rose Arbor Hospice until her time of passing. Kathy was Preceded in death by her parents, Marinus and Beatrice Brand, ex-husband, Ron Try, as well as several siblings.

Kathy is survived by children: Ron W. Try (Karen) of Tennessee, Scott Try (Brenda) of Portage, MI, Lorie Try-Stockton (Bill) of Grand Rapids, MI and Rick Try (Michelle) of Portage, MI. Kathy has 14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, nieces and nephew,s and surviving brother; Terry Brand (Fort Collins, CO). Kathy was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother to her family. She enjoyed seeing her friends within her apartment community and PACE Senior Care program. She was known as a spunky and witty character always trying to make others feel good. As a single parent, Kathy worked jobs to match the school schedule of her children as they were growing up. She was a planter at Hoeksema Greenhouse on Centre Street in Portage where she was able to see the seeds she planted grow into beautiful flowers, just like watching her kids grow as she was the one constant throughout their lives. Kathy had a heart for elderly people. She then moved into the senior care field as a nurse’s aide at Director’s Hall in Kalamazoo. She took such pride in helping seniors transition from independent to dependent care. She was a tireless advocate for others. She’s described as sassy and tenacious. One of her gifts was making others laugh. Her co-workers and residents loved her.

Kathy loved spring and fall. She loved going to Milham Park for picnics, which she frequently requested of her family. Some of her favorite memories were morel mushroom hunting in the spring and apple picking in the fall with her family. Anytime Kathy was surrounded by family and friends, she was thrilled. Kathy’s last travel trip was to Fort Collins Colorado to visit her brother, Terry, 3 years ago. She was able to spend quality time with her last living sibling, sister-in-law, and nieces with her daughter Lorie and Son, Rick.

Kathy’s fiesty attitude and loving spirit will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. You may pay your respects to Kathy and her family at the Hearthside Community Center: 7655 Currier Drive on November 12, 2022 from 1-4 pm. For those who wish to make a donation, please donate to Centrica Care Navigators (formerly known as Rose Arbor Hospice). The services they provide and the staff are nothing short of amazing and we are truly grateful for how they cared for our Mom during her stay.