Kathleen Mary (née Walsh) Lulich, lovingly known as Kay, was born on July 19, 1932, in Greenland, Michigan, to Edward and Maude Walsh. She was with family at her home when she passed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Funny, clever, loyal, and deeply faithful - defined Kay.
Growing up next door to the county jail, where her mother served as county sheriff, Kay learned to drive at the age of 12 and finally got around to obtaining her driver’s license at 14. Rules and conventions rarely slowed her down.
Kay was a woman ahead of her time, always eager to embrace what came next. From higher education to floppy disks to smartwatches. Even in matters of faith, she believed in looking forward — occasionally offering a gentle reminder to the parish priest about the importance of implementing Vatican II.
Kathleen attended Northern Michigan University and Marquette University before marrying John Lulich in 1954.
Kay was an avid gardener. She hit the downhill slopes with her family until her 50s. Golfed into her 70s. She was a devoted bridge player, enjoying weekly games — and often more — since the age of 25. Her love of the game continued throughout her life, with her final game played just two months ago. And in the O’Lulich household, March 17 wasn’t merely St. Patrick’s Day; it was celebrated with all the enthusiasm of a national holiday.
Kay and John began their family life at Michigan State University, and their journey together took them to Royal Oak and Bessemer, Michigan; Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin; Laramie, Wyoming; Shelby, Michigan; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. John and Kay spent years traveling the globe.
Kathleen is survived by her loving children, Lawrence Lulich (Ingrid), Mary Lulich, Kathleen Globensky (John), Patricia Lulich, and Elizabeth Lulich Shearon (Patrick); her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Tinkham, Audrey White (Tim), Alaina Miner (Shane), Sarah Lulich Brudi (Michael), John Lulich, Jack Lulich, and Ben Lulich; and her new great-granddaughter, Sloane White, whom she was introduced to and visited via Facetime. She is also survived by her youngest sister, Margaret Werger (Kent).
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John K. Lulich; her son, Michael J. Lulich; her parents, Edward and Maude Walsh and Lawrence Walsh; and her sisters, Anita Droste and Patricia Landree.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Kathleen’s life was held Friday, November 6, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
