Gavan, Mary Kathryn (Kay) (nee Arnold), of Grand Rapids Township, passed away Monday, September 21, 2015 at age 86 after a valiant two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer. Kay was born and raised in Acme, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Bertha (Courtade) Arnold, her sister Romana Clark Higgins, and her niece Laurie Andrezjewski. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Edward J. Gavan, her daughter, Patricia M. (Dan) Mahler of Grand Rapids, her sons Brian A. Gavan of Wickenburg, AZ, and Joseph P. (Susan) Gavan, grandsons Jack E. and Charles P. Gavan of Belmont and Elliott J. Mahler of Los Angeles, CA, a sister-in-law, Alice E. O’Connor of Grand Rapids, a brother-in-law Charles T. (Geraldine) Gavan of Phoenix, AZ, nieces, Camella (Pete) Daly of Grand Rapids, Roblyn (Tim) Williams of Castle Rock, CO, nephew, Matthew A. Clark of Kentwood, life-long best friend Marge (Jack) Anderson of Traverse City, her very special Bridge Club Friends, and many cousins. Kay graduated from St. Francis High School in Traverse City and Aquinas College – class of ‘52. She worked for the Forest Hills School District as an elementary school librarian and media aid retiring after 22 years of service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 a.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Church, 6477 Ada Dr., Ada. Rev. Leonard A. Sudlik presiding. Visitation Wednesday 4:30-7:30 p.m. with the Rosary recited at 4:30 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. The family will also greet friends and relatives one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions in Kay’s name to Mary Free Bed Foundation, 235 Wealthy Street SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-9957 or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301 would be preferred in lieu of flowers.
