Kathleen Kay McBride, age 77, died on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Kathy was born on December 9, 1945 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Milton and Evie Westrum.  Kathy attended Albert Lea High School, graduating in 1963.  Kathy was an accomplished student, violinist and piano player.  Following high school, Kathy went to college at Mankato State University and received her B.A. degree in Sociology and Psychology in 1967.

While a college student, Kathy met and married the love of her life Bob McBride.  The two were constant companions over the next fifty eight years.   Kathy spent the majority of her adult life living in Owatonna, Minnesota, where she was active in the PTA and various civic organizations.   Kathy began her career as a social worker, before joining Wenger Corporation in 1979.   She absolutely loved working at Wenger Corporation, ultimately heading-up the company's sales team.    Kathy was a formidable businessperson, fighting for equal pay for women when it was unpopular to do so.

Kathy was diagnosed with a rare mixed connective tissue disease in 1991, causing her promising professional career to come to an unexpected halt.  Following her early, illness related retirement, Kathy kept busy spending time at her cabin on Beaver Lake, attending plays at the Ordway, knitting, cooking, reading, playing solitaire, writing, caring for her corgis and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Kathy is survived by her husband Bob, sons Jeff (Janet) and Matt (Julie) and daughter Julie (Jason); grandchildren Madison, Mollie and Meghan, Ben and Irina; sister Karen (Butch); and her beloved corgi Marley. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Milton and Evie, her infant sister and Carl Larsen (Evie's second husband).   Kathy will be terribly missed.

A private family service will be held in her honor.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Faerie Land Rescue or your local humane society.