Obituary of Katherine Marie Easton

Katherine Marie DeLucia was born on October 29, 1952, in Trenton, Michigan. She was one of four children born from the union of Laurence and Angeline (Crlencic) DeLucia. She was educated at Our Lady of the Lourdes School as well as in the River Rouge school system. However, growing up in a town where rioting was a frequent occurrence, Kathy dropped out of school.  Soon, the community dynamics improved, and Kathy enrolled in night classes at River Rouge High School to proudly earn her diploma.

Even though dogs were her preferred companion, Katherine had a lifelong love for all animals.  She rescued many in need of help throughout her life from canine to feline, rabbits to birds.  It was certain that given the opportunity, Kathy would have even taken in a skunk.  As a young child she dreamt of owning and riding her own horse, but it was not until much later in life that this finally became a reality.   She leased space locally at a barn where she housed a quarter horse, named “Jumper”. But this horse being a little older, was only a “jumper” by name.  Katherine also took the opportunity to have her own chicken coop at home.  This meant that there was an endless daily supply of farm eggs for her family.  Katherine had a fascination with birds, and she had many books on the subject spending countless hours studying them.   

Kathy was many things in her life, but being punctual was not one of them. Being fashionably late was in fact part of her charm.  As Kathy was blessed with grandchildren she was lovingly assigned the title of Mimi.  Although, she initially did not really care for the name, she relished in the role of grandmother, and as more and more people called her by the nickname, the name soon began to grow on her as she appreciated all that the position stood for.

Katherine Marie Easton, age 70, of Carleton, passed away at 10:30pm on Monday; June 5, 2023 after a two year struggle with declining health.  Her passing was preceded by her parents and a sister: Patricia Long in 2003.

To cherish her memory, she leaves a daughter: Angie (Don) Poli; three grandchildren: Audrey Poli, Donny Poli, and Rachael Poli; a sister: Frances (David) Randall; a brother: Paul (Debbie) DeLucia; one nephew: Laurence (Carrie) Long; and a four-legged companion, fourteen year old shepherd and labrador mixed breed dog named BJ.

Friends may gather on Friday; June 9, 2023, from 12:00pm until 5:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 5:00pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor Tom Downs of Gilead Church, Taylor officiating.  Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo, by visiting www.merklefs.com. Memorials in Katherine’s honor are suggested to a local animal shelter of donor’s choice.