Kathryn Elaine Shade

Kathryn Elaine Shade, affectionately known as Kathy to her friends and loved ones, embarked on her final journey on April 10, 2025, in North Lima, Ohio, after a life rich with love, laughter, and the simple pleasures that make a life well-lived. Born on February 18, 1959, in Youngstown, Ohio, Kathy's infectious spirit and unwavering optimism were the hallmarks of her existence. She navigated the world with grace, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touched.

Kathy's life was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She pursued her education with determination, earning her GED and proving that the path to knowledge has many roads. Her career was marked by compassion and care as a nursing assistant, and she later showcased her meticulous nature as a quality control manager. Kathy's professional journey was underscored by a deep commitment to the well-being of others, a commitment that shone brightly in all her endeavors.

The fabric of Kathy's life was woven with the threads of her passions and interests. She found joy in the rhythm of music and the freedom of dance. Her eyes lit up at the sight of butterflies and she held a particular fascination for the unique beauty of albino frogs. A ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was not just a pastime but a celebration of life's thrilling adventure. Kathy cherished the quiet moments too, whether it was savoring a beautiful sunrise or sunset, or enjoying the simple comfort of a cup of Lipton tea. Yet, above all else, it was the time spent with her family that Kathy treasured the most.

Kathy's legacy is carried on by her beloved daughter, Virginia, and son-in-law, Paul Trimacco, as well as her only grandchild, the pride and joy of her life, Elijah John. Her grandson's name is a loving tribute to her uncle John Fuller, a father figure in her life whose wisdom and guidance were a beacon of light. Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Kathryn Valois, her step-father Arthur Valois, her father Robert Wilbur Kesler, and her siblings David, Robert, & Rodney Kesler, and Roberta Sue Watson. Her memory will be cherished by her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins, including her close cousins Sherry and John Skeens and John Fogt, who stood by her side with unwavering support.

Kathy's life was a reflection of the inspiring words of the great poet Maya Angelou, who said, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." Indeed, Kathy was that rainbow in the lives of many, bringing color to gray skies and hope to dim moments. Her ability to uplift and inspire was a gift that she gave freely, never expecting anything in return.

Kathy's story is not one of an ending but a continuation. As we remember her, let us carry forward her legacy of joy, her capacity for love, and her unrelenting positivity. Let us honor Kathy's memory by living fully, loving deeply, and dancing through life with the same zest and zeal that she embodied every day.

In the dance of life, Kathy moved to a rhythm all her own, and in doing so, she encouraged us all to find the music that moves us. As we bid farewell to our beloved Kathy, let us not forget the melody she shared with us, a melody that will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who loved her. Kathy Elaine Shade's life was a beautiful symphony of moments, memories, and the enduring power of love.

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