Kathryn D. "Katy" O'Connell, 78, of Howard passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024.

Katy was born on Washington Island, WI where she grew up with her sisters, brother, and many friends and cousins. She loved playing on the bluff, swimming at Schoolhouse Beach, picking cherries, sitting in an apple tree, and reading a book.

Her grandmother Sigrid Gudmundsen was a kindred spirit who inspired her to be a lifelong reader, which would later turn into a career dedicated to helping students with reading comprehension and their continuing education.

Her academic studies began at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where her older sister attended. With a degree in Education, Katy continued on to UW-Madison, acquiring both a Master's Degree and Doctoral degree.

Katy was inspired by a friend from college to move to California where she found a job with Far West Laboratories as a researcher. When that position was eliminated, she followed her spiritual path to the Zen Center, where she studied and practiced Zen Buddhism. Later she moved to Minneapolis, MN, and taught at a junior college. She retired in Green Bay where she lived with her sister, Maureen.

Katy is survived by her sisters; Patricia Cauldwell and Maureen O'Connell, brother; Michael (Barbara) O'Connell, nieces; Courtney Cauldwell and Christine (Steve) Klann, nephews; Scott (Kelye) Cauldwell and Theodore (Alison) O'Connell, also special dog Danny.

Katy is preceded in death by her parents Norbert and Pauline, and her beloved dog Spike.

She was a gentle spirit who touched many and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held on Washington Island at a later date.