She understood the prophets of the Old Testament and their truth-telling relevance in her life. Micah was a prophet during the last part of the southern kingdom and northern Israel in about 700 BC. who expressed the noteworthy themes of the failure of leadership that did not fulfill their calling to rule with justice. This did not escape Kathy’s faith-based progressive political perspectives. Like Micah, she knew that our opinions commentaries, and judgment on and/or about secular and Church governments issues is our privy. She knew keenly that life was not about religiosity for she was “right with God and God was right with her.” She echoed these words many times during her life, and up to the end. She understood that human justice pales in the face of redemptive Love. More importantly she knew deep in her heart that even, God-Love, the most powerful force in the universe does not have final judgments.

Rather, Love is all forgiving. And Kathy displayed an amazing capacity for forgiveness amid a life of deep pain. As with most of us, when the environment at large, especially the health care community- except for Dr. Mary Defigard-, does not listen and believe us, our bodies scream more loudly. Kathy dealt with the frustrations of a non-listening experience through prayers of acceptance. And still, she advocated for herself.
The bedrock of her entire life was profound spirituality, prayer, and a deep devotion to St. Theresa - referred to as the Little Flower. Her spirituality spawned at home and nourished by the Sisters in Pennsylvania and later the Dominican Sisters of San Jose, to whom Kathy was most generous, matured throughout her life. In quiet ways she mentored that maturity in others. And there was always more. She had an immense capacity for wonder, compassion, and grace, qualities that flow from an expanded heart that embraces life.

Amid a seemingly humble life she was the essence of a Renaissance woman. She touched life with artistry, precision, expertise, and a great deal of heart. She could cook and bake professionals under the table. She could taste something at a restaurant and replicate it with ease and expertise at home. She could elevate any vegetable to pinnacle status. The ginger honey glazed carrots were spectacular. Her famous luxurious Dobosh Torte and Buche De Noel were as much eye-candy, as they were epicurean delights. My first introduction to Kathy, Fred, Erica and Jershua was at 3 AM when Fred picked two of us from Elmira, NY at the San Jose airport. Once back at the Jager home she served one of her famous ollieberrie, a totally new flavorful food experience for both Margie Flynn and me. Her kitchen skill-sets dazzle me to this day.

She painted, having enjoyed toll-painting and watercolor classes. Talent flowed from her fingertips. She more than sewed. She tailored her daughters’ clothes when they were young. As they grew, she translated those sewing skills to Christmas projects such as trees and ornaments carefully cross-stitched on Aida cloth. And oh, and her beloved bears. Such artistry and skill she poured into each one. They brought her to an enormous worldwide circle of friends, who over the years have passed. As with all of life, change is a paradoxical constant, inclusive of loss. The loss of her dear friends, especially Lola touched her deeply. Our loss of Kathy already deeply touches us.

She loved her family: her parents, her Dad who passed so long ago, and her dear Mom for whom she and you, Fred, provided comfortable respite from life in Pennsylvania.

Her life has been characterized by generosity, love, wisdom, and hospitality. She learned about wisdom constantly in moments of truth telling and boundary setting for her own wellbeing, and not just for others. If it were not for the hospitality you extended to Judy Hamm in the late 1970s and 1980 when she attended UC Davis, I would never have been the grateful recipient of your hospitality and incredible faithful friendship.

She loved her siblings, Patricia Anne, Lawrence, James, and Rose Marie; her nieces, nephews and grands. She was in regular contact, though not as much over the more recent years. She delighted in their lives, accomplishments, their growing families, and was incredibly generous to them. It was a joy to meet her family siblings, their families and her beloved Uncle Tommy, former Post Master at Notre Dame University.

And ever so proud she was when you, Jerusha Erin attended Notre Dame and then spent time in Italy. She has rejoiced in your meeting and marrying Ed O’Neill, for every mother wants nothing more than happiness for her children.

She enjoyed time with Erica’s Cirdan when he was a baby and toddler, and longed to meet Hazel, at some point in each of their lives. It shall not come to pass. She always wished Erica Roseanne and Joe Wang well, for Kathy so abundantly accepted other people’s choices. As Kathy would say, “just let it be; let them be.” And then she would surrender to the moment, not wanting unpleasant exchanges in her or anyone’s life.

She so enjoyed her trips to San Francisco with her family especially at Christmas, living time at the long gone Enchanted Crystal Store off Union Square, and Doiges. How she treasured the lovely jewelry you gave her, Fred. San Francisco was just one of the places in California she loved. Sausalito, 17 Mile Drive to Carmel, and Cannery Row, Capitola, the Shadowbrook’s vista, and of course, your homes in San Jose. How she relished at decorating Galloway with the help of her painter friend. The entire color pallet changed from that at Goldfield, to allow nature and art in to every room. The two of you remarked at how life changes and how even the furniture now is appreciated best as “distressed”. You, Fred, made possible the trip to England that provided her an opportunity to meet in person those she had come to know over the years.

The thirty-one years of friendship I shared with Kathy is not nor ever would be enough and for her I can hardly express my love and gratitude. The heart connection was and will remain deep.

It is most fitting that she left this life on her last walk to Jerusalem this Palm Sunday 2021. I envisioned her waiting until Easter, but realized that she would be happiest journeying with others, palms held high in adoration.

Her legacy tells those of the present and future what her life was about. May it be true for each of us. Kathy lived Micah’s words throughout her life. May we take Micah’s words deep into our hearts; follow his and Kathy’s lead to "Do Justice, Love Mercy, and walk Humbly. (Micah 6:8)

To Fred, Erica and Erin,
So sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. We will Miss our phone calls with her,reminiscing about our days in PA. Rest in peace dear sister.
Your loving brother.....
Lawrence and Dorothy