Kathleen Joan Milligan was born on April 6th 1940 in Queens, Ney York. Kathleen always had a love of the water and swimming. She was on the swim team and was a lifeguard at Jones Beach. In 1958 she graduated from St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Albans, NY. She then attended Molloy Catholic College for Women, Rockville Centre, NY and graduated in 1962 with a degree in Education.

Kathleen met her future husband, James Hayden Milligan, through his mother, who was a teacher at the school where Kathleen was student teaching. Jim's mother introduced them to each other, they fell in love and were married on June 30th 1962. Kathleen taught second grade for two years in Massapequa, NY. She then moved with Jim in 1964, for his new job to Shoreview, MN. Here they had three children Katie, Jim and John. Kathleen worked hard raising her children and taking care of her family, so far away from the love and support of family in New York.

Continuing her passion, Kathleen began teaching second grade at St. Odilia Catholic School in 1964. She taught for two years and then became a substitute teacher while raising her three kids. In 1998, Kathleen went back to teaching full time for 6 years at Maternity of Mary – St. Andrew Catholic School in St Paul where she taught religious education in grades 6-8. Sharing her passion for swimming she was an adult swim instructor in Roseville for 17 years. She enthusiastically continued subbing at St. Odilia's for 55 years.

Kathleen taught her children the importance of family and the finer things in life. She loved to entertain and was a gracious and generous host. She enjoyed her travels throughout the United States and to London, Paris, Greece, Egypt and Israel, plus many trips to St. Thomas US Virgin Islands and going on cruises.

Her grandchildren brought her such joy. She loved to watch Abby play volleyball, Ryan play basketball and watch the two of them show cows at the fair. She also loved watching Connor swim and Alyssa play soccer.

In May of 2022 Kathleen suffered a stroke that prompted her to move closer to Katie in Owatonna. Unfortunately, her health rapidly declined. She was surrounded by family as she went peacefully to be reunited with her husband, sister and our Lord.