TOBIAS - Kathryn Ann Tobias was born on January 18, 1923, in Detroit, MI. On May 9,
at the age of 93, Kathryn quietly slipped away at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo.
Kathryn, known by all as “Kay," was the daughter of John Henry Buekers and Adeline
Christine VerHoven. She grew up on the lower east side of Detroit, graduated from
Annunciation High School and was then employed by J. L. Hudson Co. She married
John Eugene "Tobe" Tobias in 1942, while he was home on leave with the U.S. Coast
Guard.
After World War II ended, they made their home in Ann Arbor and began their married
life together. In addition to raising ten children and working in retail, Kay also
enjoyed her Bridge Club, cooking, decorating, sewing and crafts and was involved in
the local 4-H club. She continued her craft projects throughout her life, starting with
Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and elaborate cross stitchery and finally making beautiful
creations such as button pillows and bouquets. Her works were, and continue to
be, treasured by many. During their years in Ann Arbor, Kay and Tobe were active in
St. Francis Catholic Church where their children attended school and where they developed
friendships that would last for decades.
Kay and Tobe moved to Kalamazoo in 1987 and she became immersed in her life
there as part of the Newcomers and Peer Prevention groups. Kay and Tobe were
members of St. Monica Catholic Church, where Kay served as Eucharistic Minister,
and then St. Augustine Cathedral.
Kay was a wonderful example to her children of what a wife and mother should be.
She created a beautiful, happy, healthy and fun home and always assured that every
birthday and holiday was special. Her unique ability to make quick friends often
meant that she met her children's neighbors before they did. She set an example of
kindness and generosity that was inspirational.
Tobe preceded Kay in death in 2012, shortly after they celebrated their 70th wedding
anniversary. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Mary Jane Scott, her
parents John and Adeline Buekers, her brother Jim, her sisters Mary Elizabeth "Betty"
Griffin and Frances "Fran" Maloney, and her cousin, raised as a brother, Budd Hansen.
Kay is survived by her brother John "Jack" Buekers, children Carol (the late Budd)
Hansen, Susan Wilder (Michael Jewell), Peggy (John) Hopkins, Sally (Nick) Popa, Gary
(Lori) Tobias, Gail (Victor) Smith, Kate (Pat) Nagy, Martha (Bob) Johnston, and John
Edward Tobias (Lisa Abbott), as well as numerous grand, great-grand, great-greatgrandchildren,
nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of Rose Arbor Hospice and Friendship Village
for their care and compassion.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Augustine Cathedral, in Kalamazoo, on Monday,
May 23. There will be an informal visitation at the church at 10:00 AM. A 10:15 Eulogy
will be followed by a 10:30 Mass.
Memorials may be sent to Loaves and Fishes, an emergency food bank in Kalamazoo
County. They are located at 901 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001. If you prefer to
make a food donation in Kay’s memory, please include a can of tuna...she could feed
twelve with it.
Memorials may also be sent to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. They are located
at 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall #100, Kalamazoo MI 49007.

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