Kathleen Mary (née Walsh) Lulich, lovingly known as Kay, was born on July 19, 1932, in Greenland, Michigan, to Edward and Maude Walsh. She was with family at her home when she passed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. (Just in the nick of time to make her mail in blue ballot legit!)

Funny, clever, loyal, and deeply faithful—these were just a few of the qualities that defined Kay. The eldest of four sisters, she grew up in the village of Ontonagon, on the shore of Lake Superior.

She and her sisters and friends skied the Porcupine Mountains, or took to horseback riding in Pequaming, she was always ready for the next adventure. Growing up next door to the county jail, where her mother served as county sheriff, Kay learned to drive at the age of 12 and finally got around to obtaining her driver’s license at 14. Rules and conventions rarely slowed her down when there was a life to be lived.

Kay was a woman ahead of her time, always eager to embrace what came next. From higher education to floppy disks to smartwatches, she welcomed innovation with enthusiasm. Even in matters of faith, she believed in looking forward—occasionally offering a gentle reminder to the parish priest about the importance of implementing Vatican II.

Kathleen attended Northern Michigan University and Marquette University before marrying John Lulich in 1954. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, education, and love.In true Kay fashion, she poured her heart and soul into raising their six children. Education was not simply encouraged; it was expected. With equal measures of determination, encouragement, and perhaps a little persuasion, she pushed, pulled, or propelled all six toward college degrees, while remaining a lifelong learner herself. 

Her kitchen was the heart and nerve center of the family home. There, Kay was a gifted baker, a gourmet cook, a solver of problems, and the masterful organizer of the joyful chaos that came with six children. With her unmistakable style and grace, she sent everyone out into the world each day, imparting wisdom and life lessons along the way— yet insisting that they learn patience on their own.

Whatever troubles the day might bring, there was comfort to be found in Kay’s warm kitchen on a cold Michigan afternoon, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and homemade cookies offered reassurance that all would be well.

Kay was an avid gardener. She hit the downhill slopes with her family until her 50s. Golfed into her 70s. She was a devoted bridge player, enjoying weekly games—and often more—since the age of 25. Her love of the game continued throughout her life, with her final game played just two months ago. And in the O’Lulich household, March 17th wasn’t merely St. Patrick’s Day; it was celebrated with all the enthusiasm of a national holiday.

Kay and John began their family life at Michigan State University, and their journey together took them to Royal Oak and Bessemer, Michigan; Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin; Laramie, Wyoming; Shelby, Michigan; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Wherever life led them, Kay made a home filled with warmth, laughter, learning, and an abiding sense of belonging. John and Kay spent years traveling the globe. If one thing was certain, she loved her dogs which she had several through her childhood and adulthood.

Kathleen is survived by her loving children, Lawrence Lulich (Ingrid), Mary Lulich, Kathleen Globensky (John), Patricia Lulich, and Elizabeth (Patrick) Lulich Shearon (Patrick); her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Tinkham, Audrey White (Tim), Alaina Miner (Shane), Sarah Lulich Brudi (Michael), John Lulich, Jack Lulich, and Ben Lulich; and her new great-granddaughter, Sloane White whom she was introduced and visited via Facetime. She is also survived by her youngest sister, Margaret Werger (Kent).

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John K. Lulich; her son, Michael J. Lulich; her parents, Edward and Maude Walsh and Lawrence Walsh; her sisters, Anita Droste and Patricia Landree.

Kay lived with an adventurous spirit, a quick wit, an inquisitive mind, and a steadfast faith. She embraced change without losing sight of tradition, encouraged independence while keeping family close, and met life’s challenges with intelligence, determination, and grace.

Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so fiercely, the lessons she taught, the laughter she inspired, and the countless memories she helped create.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Kathleen’s life will be held Friday, November 6, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Burton Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A reception will follow at her condominium.