Kathleen E. ‘Kaye’ West, 81, Pinckney, MI
Kathleen E. (nee Laughlin) West, 81, formerly of St. Louis died peacefully Saturday, June 1, 2024, at WellBridge in Pinckney, Michigan. Mrs. West was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin to many. She was a teacher and devoted Cardinals fan who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Born December 27, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Oliver James and Catherine Marie (nee Hickey) Laughlin.
She is survived by three children: Katherine L. (Steven) Quinn of Imperial, MO, Jennifer R. (Bernard) Ray of Pinckney, MI, and Kimberly A. (Todd) Bergfeld of Des Peres, MO; eight grandchildren: Ryan T. and Shannon M. Quinn, Kylie E., Tyler J., Dylan J, and Jaelyn K. Ray, and Alison T. and Madison L. Bergfeld; seven siblings: Margaret Degenhart, Patricia (Michael Pendergast) Laughlin, Ann (Andrew) Boehm, Robert (Kathleen) Laughlin, Maureen (James) Ostrowski, John (Laura) Laughlin and Colleen Laughlin; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Donald Wayne West; and five siblings: Sister Suzanne Laughlin, O.P., James Laughlin, William Laughlin, Mary Federhofer, and Michael Laughlin.
A visitation is scheduled from 8:45 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. followed by a 9:30 a.m. mass Friday, June 21, at St. Mary Magdalen, 2618 S. Brentwood Blvd, in Brentwood. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations, if desired, may be made in memory of Kathleen West to the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976.
Condolences to Kaye’s family and friends. Kaye was a very special friend to me. She welcomed me with open arms when I arrived in Raleigh, NC being newly married as well as being away from home for the first time. Katie and Jen were like my first children. Both of our families had gone separate ways when Kim arrived. We did visit in Houston, Stow, Ohio and Rochester; even being able to meet Kaye’s siblings when we moved to Chesterfield, MO. I was fortunate to visit Kaye at Jen’s once; wishing had been able to visit again.
From grade school on through high school, I don’t ever remember seeing Kaye without a smile on her face. I hope I can be remembered for having even half the cheerful spirit.
Bless you, Kaye – you have made a lasting difference in this world❤️
Many memories with Kaye at Mary Magdalen and Ursuline. I will always remember you and your wonderful family. May you rest in peace now. Dolores Borgmeyer Klaesner.
We’re so sorry, Kristen for your loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
How do we put into words just how much Kaye touched our lives. Always smiling, her quick wit and caring nature made her a joy to be around. Kaye always let you know what she was thinking, and was one of the few that could give Mario a run for his money! A true friend, Kaye will live in our memories forever.
I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Kaye very long. I was fortunate to spend quite a bit of time with her in the last couple of years. I was impressed and drawn to her spirit. He had so much sass. I loved her humor so much. I will never forget her laugh. It’s not often you come across someone with such an infectious laugh. She laughed with her while body and I absolutely adored her for that. There are quite a few memories that I will carry with me.