Service Details
Kathleen M. Hougard, 68, passed away at Ascension-All Saints, on Friday, September 6, 2019. A Celebration of Life will be held, on Saturday, October 5th, at Bernie’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, 1238 Lathrop Ave., Racine, WI 53405, 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A buffet style luncheon will be served from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Kathleen M. Hougard, 68, passed away at Ascension-All Saints, on Friday, September 6, 2019. She was born in Racine on November 6, 1950, the daughter of the late Vernon C. and Helen L. (nee: Mutchie) Staples.
Kathleen had, most recently, been employed by Ascension-All Saints in the Behavioral Health Unit as a CSA, prior to her illness. Her greatest enjoyment came from traveling to her retreat in the Adams Friendship Area.
Surviving are her three children, Amy (Greg) Walters, of Racine, Jason (Jaime) Hougard, of Farmington Hills, MI, and Rachel Hougard, of Racine; seven grandchildren, Cody and Sydney Walters, Ayla and Chase Hougard, and Alexis, Aaliyah, and Dwayne Ford; sister, Patti MacDougall, of Racine; three brothers, Richard (Ruth) Staples, of Racine, Randy (Coleen) Staples, of Cheyenne, WY, and Brian (Charlene) Staples, of Delevan, WI; her significant other, Doug Benson, of Racine. In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her brother Robert Staples. Also surviving are many loving, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private burial will be held at the Staples’ family cemetery in Wild Rose, WI at a later date.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Hassen, Dr. Rosenberg, their staff and the entire Infusion Center staff for their endless support and highest level of care during their mother’s long battle.
Sheila Malec says
The whole family will miss you, Kathy. Thank you for all the guidance during a few times where I struggled but you reached out to me. You are a beautiful person, inside and out! Please say Hi to my mom and our others for me. Until we meet again…..
Holly Mattie says
Kathy, you will be greatly missed by many. Your kind words and smile went a long way each morning I had the pleasure to work with you. Throughout your illness journey, you continued to smile each time I saw you at the clinic and still had kind words regardless of your struggle. I will cherish you and the memories that we have shared. Praying for your family/friends, that they find peace and understanding knowing that you no longer have to suffer. Rest in Peace until we meet again my friend.
Joanne Piette says
Love you Kathy, will miss you until we meet up again. I always looked forward to seeing you when I got back to Wisconsin. You were a great cousin and friend.
Patti Strini says
To the family.
Kathy and I were in nursing school together many years ago. She was a lovely person and a caring soul. Spoke to her at our 50th class reunion last year, and she had a very positive attitude. She is at peace now. God Bless you all.
Mary Jo Hart says
Kathy you will be missed by many family and friends. There are a couple of us that you will be with for always. They way you made us laugh, listened to us when needed, shared many, many years with. You are one special lady and will be very deeply misses. RIP my friend and keep them laughing up there!! Love you forever!
Nathan, Kim, Bryce, Britton says
I will always remember riding in the back of the station wagon that had simulated wood siding with all of us cousins. And all the great family get togethers. She will truly be missed.
Joe & Kathy says
Our deepest sympathies
Renee Ney says
Kathy, I will always cherish our time together at Ascension and the many conversations we had. Your eyes always brightened up when you talked about your grandchildren. You are so proud of them. I loved your spunk and
Sassyness. I know I should have come and seen you at the hospital. Part of it was due to not feeling well. I was in the process the day you passed of going to text Amy to read a message to you. I’m sorry my friend that I did not get it in time for you to here. Hopefully, you will remember our times together as much as I will. I will truly miss you
Michele Oakes-Cisler says
We always laughed so hard together. Your strength and positive attitude during your illness was amazing. You taught me a lot, and I cared about you very much. Big hugs Kathy. Until we meet again. Enjoy the beauty of HOME. I’m glad your not hurting anymore. Much Love.
Kris Staples says
We sure did a lot of things together, Kathy. Our kids are just months apart. I’ll always remember when you and I piled 27 kids into two cars to take them to McDonald’s for a birthday party. No car seats required in those days. We had some great times. You will be missed, cousin. Sleep well. Kris
Ruthann Mork says
My deepest condolences to the entire family, no matter your faith or your acceptance of heaven being better than any horrible illness it is never easy to say goodbye to your mother or grandmother. Especially one that was so special in so many ways to all of you and others. Prayers for comfort.
Ruthann Mork and family
Estherjean Staples, Shelton says
Kathy, I will always remember the pajama Party’s and over nights that our families had when we were kids on holidays. Also the family reunions . I know I am younger then you but always looked up to you and Pat. Save us all a place up there so we can all have a party again .
Chuck Wurster says
Amy,
I’m so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Wendell & Eileen Zirbel and family says
Dear Hougard family,
We were saddened to hear if Kathy’s recent passing. She always brought smiles and laughter to everyone she came in contact with. It was a true joy to have known her.
Wendell & Eileen Zirbel and family says
Dear Hougard family,
We were saddened to hear of Kathy’s recent passing. She always brought smiles and laughter to everyone she came in contact with. It was a true joy to have known her thru our years at Concordia with the kids. Sending our heartfelt sympathy in this difficult time. We pray for comfort and peace of mind for the family in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection.
Be blessed.
Ashley Kennedy says
Kathy,
You were one of the first people I met when I started working at the counseling center and you were always so nice to me. You had such kind words to say after my mom passed and I will always remember how you went out of your way to make sure I was ok. I will miss seeing your smiling face. My condolences to your family during this sad time.
DORIS HOBSON says
I WORKED WITH KATHLEEN AT ASCENSION WHILE I WAS A VOLUNTEER IN THE
UNIT… SHE WAS AN ENJOYABLE WORKER .. AND VERY NICE.
I AM GOING TO MISS HER… ALL MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO HER FAMILY
Tom Piette says
To my cousins and other family in Racine. Kathy was a wonderful woman. I had other commitments today and could not be present. Please know that I am thinking of you. Rest In Peace Kathy.
Kathy Janaky says
My deepest sympathy to Kathy’s family. I knew Kathy, from Razor Sharp in the pool. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Angelique Ruiz says
Kathy your soul is resting now and you’re no long in pain. Thank you for being so welcoming when I first started at Ascension, thank you for your jokes, kind words, and for training me! Prayers, love, and healing vibes sent to all of your loved ones. You will be missed.
Dawn Perkins Cooper says
We started out living across the street from each other on 16th St. Shared the same nursery at St Mary’s, She was one day older than me. Sorta Irish Twins, I use to joke.
Went to St Cat’s together, were in Mariners together and traveled back and forth to KT I to LPN school. The fearless 4.
She was always up beat and had a smile on her face. We had some wild and crazy times together.
She was a force to recon with, a good friend, and one heck of a fighter. She was my Friend and I will always remember her, until we meet again.
See you later, Girlfriend
Laura Lee Dominguese says
Sad to learn of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Bobbie Reinhofer says
We loved Kathy! Her humor, her caring, her sensitivity. Lover her in in class at Razor Sharp and at all the luncheons Rip Tide and Aquasize would have. God bless you Kathy and we pray for your family and deepest friends to take comfort.
David Abrahamson says
God bless and keep you old friend.