Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Styer (nee Harrington), 72, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away in comfort on Saturday, March 22, 2025, after complications from a heart attack. When Kathy passed, she was surrounded by her family, love and laughter.
Kathy was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 11, 1953. She was the first born child of Geraldine and Harvey Harrington and is survived by her loving husband, Joseph; her daughters, Felicia and Alanna; and her brothers, Kevin and Jim.
Early on, Kathy pursued her education by waiting tables to pay for her high school tuition at Sacred Heart of Mary, in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. She then went on to earn her Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Tulsa and was one of the only women to graduate the Masters of Business Administration program at the University of Chicago in 1979.
Setting her sights high, she began her career working for Amoco Oil as a financial analyst. After having enough of the corporate life, she moved to the beaches of Los Angeles where she first started her own business as a bookkeeper and tax accountant. While playing beach volleyball, she met the love of her life, Joseph Styer.
Kathy and Joseph married in 1989 and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to begin their new life together. In 1990, they welcomed into the world their first daughter, Felicia; and in 1993, their second daughter, Alanna, was born. Kathy was a loving mother and wife, but had no desire to be a stay at home mom. Instead, she became an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, giving her added expertise to open her own office, to practice accounting for the good of the common man. She maintained this business for over 20 years.
Kathy used her skills and knowledge to help whomever she was able. She took on numerous pro-bono clients and helped provide tax literacy coaching to anyone who asked. She was an active parishioner of her church, serving as a lector and on numerous groups/committees. She was an engaged parent at all of her daughters’ schools, serving on the PTO, and was a one-term-board member for the St. Louis Public Schools.
Kathy embodied what it means to be in community with others. She gave safe refuge to many angsty teens, walked several times a week with her group of friends, and when she was able to attend her family’s reunions. She will be remembered as a constant, dependable, and formidable force; and her loss is felt deeply by all who knew and loved her.
To honor Kathy’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Fisher House Foundation, The Missouri Botanical Garden or your local public library.
Services: Funeral from Kutis City Chapel, 2906 Gravois, on Saturday March 29, 9:30am to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church for 10:00 a.m. mass.
Interment Private.
Visitation Friday 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Joseph, Felecia and Alanna,
The world has lost a truly great woman. Everything she did, she gave 100%.
Her family, her colleagues at Styer Business Services, St. Wenceslaus, Southside PSR, the SLPS community will all miss her. She leaves a void that can never be filled.
You have Barb and my deepest condolences.
Joseph and Kathy, th entire Dramis family sends prayers and memories of past times. God bless all of you . Kathy is in good hands with her mom, Gerry.
Rest in Peace
Joseph and Kathy, th entire Dramis family sends prayers and memories of past times. God bless all of you . Kathy is in good hands with her mom, Gerry.
Rest in Peace
I am so sorry. Kathy was a very kind and generous lady. She has been so very good to visit Kevin in memory care and communicate with me which I have been so grateful for. God bless her and our family. You are all in my prayers.
Kathy often was a visitor to the national parks and forests. She would visit us often on her trips to the California and Nevada parks. (Red Rock and Hoover Dam never got old to her.) Her visits were times for catching up on family, work, trips, and events. We will miss her!
Kathy welcomed me into the Harrington family the first time I met her – a brand new cousin, forgetting the in-law part. We had fun times, once hitting the Las Vegas Strip late at night and many times gabbing and laughing for hours into the night . We enjoyed her visits here and seeing her in California ad Ohio for family events.
Though her career path was very determined and important, nothing mattered more to her than family and friends. Her smile drew you right in. She stopped in for a quick visit, just before marrying Joseph – complete with her wedding gown that she pulled out for us to see. She was brimming with happiness.
It is so hard to believe such a vibrant soul is gone – too soon. She left so many wonderful memories behind. Those should be shared to keep Kathy going in our hearts.
Deepest condolences to Joseph, the girls, her siblings, and her many other family members and close friends. We love you, Kathy!💗
Kathy was such an awesome human being and consummate professional. She spent countless hours over decades working with me and my aging parents, having the utmost patience and compassion in dealing with them (more than I ever could). I truly don’t know if I’ve ever worked with anybody professionally who I felt had more genuine care for their clients as she did. Many calls each year for 15 years straight – I’m going to miss those so much – perhaps the only enjoyable thing about taxes each year was talking to her!
My deepest sympathies to the family.
The loss of one so loved is always a hard thing to handle, but know that you’re love for her and your memories will see you through the toughest times. And will be with you every day to remember that love you hold.
Met Kathy in 2009ehen I looking for a good catholic Church.
We became friends. She helped with various activities,including Ladies of Mary,Trivia Night.
I shall miss her because she was always available to talk
Rest in peace dear friend.
Kathy has been our tax lady for 35 years. She became our friend as well. We were shocked and saddened when we learned of her unexpected passing. We always enjoyed our visits at tax time. She always had time to visit with us even though it was her busiest time. I just saw her a few weeks ago at my tax drop off. She had had a crazy day but had just found out a problem she thought she had was not a problem. She was relieved. She was such an intelligent woman and offered her assistance when needed.. She was such a free spirit. We could call her whenever we needed questions answered. Prayers for her family, friends and the great staff who worked for her over the years. We will miss her and always remember our friend. Fly high Kathy. Thy good and faithful servant.
Kathy was my tax preparer over 20 years. Within that time period, she became like family to my wife and I. She was special in so many ways and will truly be missed. My family loved Kathy and I knew she loved us too. Rest well Kathy until we meet again. Love, the Peebles family.
Always so informative and she’s done our taxes for at least 16 years. Top notch. Class Act. Made us feel as if we’re family. Rest in Heaven Ms. Styer 😇 😘
Jun Family
Thank you Ms. Kathy! Sing with the angels girl!!!!!!! 16 years of tax and CPA service but you and your staff were always like family and treated us the same. We know where you are at. ✌🏽🙏🏽❤️💔😘
Andria & The Jun Family
My condolences to Kathy’s family, she was truly a Blessed woman and I thank God I had the chance to meet her, receive some of her tax acknowledge and her warm-heartedness. May she rest in peace. ✝️🕊🥀
Joesph and your lovely daughters,
We extend our family condolences to you all. Ms Kathy was always so sweet to our girls and welcoming. We are saddened by this event but know there is a joyful love with God’s grace. Aracely will miss your kindness and calm presence.
With Deep admiration
Robert, Aracely, Natasha, and of course Kassandra
Kathy was my friend for 58 years and will live in my heart until I die. My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her. Love to Joseph, Felicia and Alanna. Further words fail me.
Kathy was our trusted advisor and a guiding and positive presence in our lives for over 20 years. She stood out not only for her knowledge and professionalism, but also for her patience and humor. (How many people can say that actually enjoy talking to their tax preparer?) Our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and all in the St Louis community who loved her.