Kathleen Hirst, 68 / Nov. 5, 1943 — March 10, 2012

Published 10:59 pm Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Kathleen Hirst, 68

Nov. 5, 1943 — March 10, 2012

Hirst

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, The dust returns to earth, The Spirit returns to God who gave it.” — 2 Cor. 5:8; Ecl. 12:7

In the early morning hours on March 10, Kathleen Anne Hirst, 68, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend with loving family members by her side.

In the same hospital on Nov. 5, 1943, she was born to Raymond and Stella (Anderson) Suabedissen. Her parents preceded her in death.

Kathy grew up in Niles and graduated from Niles High School in 1962. She attended Western Michigan University and, after graduation, moved to Denver. She worked for the Denver accounting firm of Ernst and Young, and then for 21 years as secretary for the athletic department of Cherry Creek High School in Englewood, Colo. While at Cherry Creek, Kathy met her future husband, Fredrick Hirst. They retired in 2002 and moved to Buchanan, where Kathy was able to spend time with her family close by. She and Fred designed and built a wonderful new home, which afforded her the opportunity to apply her considerable decorating skills throughout. The surrounding woods allowed her to enjoy the blissful presence of her many furry and feathered friends, especially the deer, beautiful bluebirds and robins.

Reading novels, walking the beaches of Lake Michigan, enjoying the company of many friends and relaxing boat rides on the St. Joseph River were among her retirement pleasures. She also enjoyed the especially rewarding experience of mentoring children at Stark Elementary School in Buchanan, and she worked as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by her soul mate and husband, Fred; son, Aaron Larsen of Columbia, Tenn.; daughter, Anne Larsen of Spring Hill, Tenn.; sisters, Carole Cappella of Niles and Joan Frisk of South Bend; brother-in-law, Scott Frisk of South Bend; stepsons, Mitchell (Karen) Hirst of Lakewood, Colo. and Adam (Connie) Hirst of Centennial, Colo.; step-grandchildren, Marissa Hirst, Isabelle Hirst and Caleb Hirst, all of Colorado; loving nephew and nieces, Claire (Cliff) Potter of Northbrook, Ill., Megan Frisk of Bethesda, Md., Lauren Frisk of Fishers, Ill. and Michael Frisk of South Bend; cousins, Guy (Lillie) Suabedissen and Gary (Ann) Suabedissen of New Jersey; and her much-beloved cat, Bailey.

A gathering for friends and family will be held Saturday, March 17, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Family members suggest memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545; Pet Refuge of Mishawaka, 2300 W. Sixth St., Mishawaka, IN 46541; or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Michigan Chapter, 1421 E. 12 Mile Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071.