Kathleen Mary Tappy

It’s been said that music is the medicine of the mind. On March 18, 2018, at 6:52 PM, music from the band The Eagles, freed the mind and soul of Kathleen (Kathy) Mary Tappy of Howard, WI. As her husband, John (Jack) Tappy sang along to The Best of My Love, Kathleen let go of her physical life here to gain her angel wings to be with family and friends who passed before her.

Kathy was born on April 29, 1943, to Charles and Bernadine Ziegler, and was a wild, beautiful spirit since day one. She forged her own path in life – personally and professionally, and met so many lifelong friends along her journey, while leaving a powerful impact on all who met her.

She was respected in all her career choices – from a pizza waitress (who hasn’t been that), a beautician, and an HR maverick to Realtor Extraordinaire, she tried it all and didn’t let anything stop her from being successful. She made her life amazing and didn’t wait for it to happen to her, she grabbed it by the horns and went for it.

It was her personal life though that is so incredible. She loved deeply and embraced a spiritual approach to living – Deepak Chopra was her hero and Sedona, AZ was one of her all-time favorite places. She was blessed with the unwavering love and support of her husband, Jack. He fed into her passion for music, as they met when he was a musician in a band, and he encouraged her to follow her dreams. Jack, in turn, was blessed with a woman whose curiosity and joy for living filled his life with love and happiness. Few have a story like theirs.

Her children were her world. She taught them to never settle and to be courageous. She also taught them the power of laughter… and oh could she laugh. Sometimes when she started, there was no stopping her. And then there was her role as a Nana to two beautiful granddaughters. From the minute they entered this world she was there, helping guide them with her wisdom to become strong, independent and wonderful teenage girls.

An undercurrent to the life she lived was music. She simply loved it and it was a deep part of who she was. Still going to concerts when she was in her 70s, Kathy knew that music was the soul so it’s no surprise that she took her last breaths while listening to her favorite band. As Glenn Frey said in his quintessential song, “We may lose and we may win, though we will never be here again, so open up, I’m climbin’ in, so take it easy.”

Take it Easy, Kathy (Mamasita). Enjoy the ride in heaven and we will see you again one day!

Kathy’s family would like to recognize the loving and caring staff at New Perspective’s Memory Care in Howard, WI and the amazing, supportive staff at Unity Hospice.

Per her wishes, Kathy wanted everyone to celebrate her life in their own special way. There will be no formal service or funeral. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to donate to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Kathleen’s name by visiting alz.org/donate.