Kathleen Margaret Steiner, affectionately known as Kathy, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at Kansas City Hospice in Kansas City, MO. Born on June 16, 1952, in St. Louis, MO, Kathy lived a life full of love, dedication, and service to others, leaving this world too soon at age 72 from Ovarian Cancer.

Kathy was a compassionate soul who dedicated her life to helping others. Her Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri in Columbia was the educational foundation for a career that began with several years at the Wyandot Mental Health Center. This was followed by a year as an instructor in the gerontology department at The University of Kansas Medical Center. She subsequently launched a successful private therapy practice where she offered support and guidance to countless individuals and families for over 34 years.

Words cannot fully express what Kathy meant to her clients. She changed their lives, validated, heard, and encouraged them. As with her friends and family, Kathy's clients experienced her unconditional love, always knowing in their hearts that she would never give up on them. It is indeed the rare person who can always see the good in people, and Kathy was that person.

Kathy was also a lifelong advocate for victims of abuse and violence. Alongside her private practice, she taught self-defense for seven years through EnGarde, a program committed to preventing violence and healing past trauma. She helped empower hundreds of women, men, and children to protect themselves from acts of violence.

In the late 1990s, Kathy decided to diversify her work (and sit less!) by becoming a licensed massage therapist, eventually opening a separate massage therapy practice while continuing to practice psychotherapy. She excelled in this healing art as well, and was invited by her massage school to teach other aspiring massage therapists.

Outside of her work life, Kathy was a highly engaged friend and family member. She greeted you with a warm hug, paid careful attention when you spoke, and brought the perfect balance of seriousness and playfulness to all situations including her wise counsel. Once Kathy was in your corner, her unconditional love was unwavering. She helped her loved ones through various challenges, championed and applauded their dreams and joys, and aided many through their final journeys. Kathy's playful, silly side emerged at the most opportune moments, bringing out the best in so many who knew her. Following a diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer in October 2024, Kathy prioritized quality time with her most cherished people, showing her unwavering spirit and love while undergoing various treatments and surgery. It was an honor for those around Kathy to help her at this stage of her life.

Kathy's interests were varied and vibrant including travel, music, walking, friends, and dogs! She loved to travel with her partner Judy, as well as friends and family and she could always regale you with stories of her most recent trip, be it driving around Scotland with friends, snorkeling with the fish in the Virgin Islands, or hunkering down with Judy in the woods of southern Missouri and Arkansas. Gathering together with her nearest and dearest for birthdays, holidays, lunches, and "just because" was a part of Kathy's lifeblood. She and Judy warmly welcomed many into their homes for various occasions so long as they were willing to share the sofa with a dog or two. Kathy also had strong neighborhood ties, most especially with her cherished "Old Gals" group who first bonded during Covid when they had "safe" meetings on outside patios.

Kathy HAD to have a dog at all times! She had a special bond with her current beloved dog, Riley, who accompanied her on many of life's recent adventures. Before Riley, she and Judy gave homes to nine other lucky rescue dogs. Her "dog whisperer" qualities were showered on dogs from all walks of life, be it those of friends, neighbors, or those she encountered on her daily walks.

Finally, Kathy found joy in music and unbeknownst to many had a magical voice of her own. Her favorite artists include Pink, Brandi Carlile and she was usually up to date on emerging female vocalists, supporting them by buying lots of CD's!

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Lois Steiner, and her brother, Greg Steiner. She is survived by her devoted partner of 45 years, Judy Holley, and many treasured friends and Holley family members. "Mom", aunt, therapist, friend, partner – Kathy made everyone feel loved, heard, seen, and safe and they will all miss her dearly.

In memory of Kathy's generous spirit and enduring strength, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on May 3, 2025, at the Kansas City United Church of Christ, 205West 65th Street, Kansas City, MO 64113. Donations would be gratefully accepted to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, MO 64137.( waysidewaifs.org ). Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her, reminding us of the power of kindness, resilience, and unconditional love.