Kathleen Ann Carlin, oldest child of the late Robert and Ruth (nee Walczykowski) Carlin, left this life on Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2026 in Milwaukee. She is survived by her four siblings, Carol Ruth Carlin, Elizabeth Valentine, Michael Kenneth Carlin and Thomas Robert Carlin, nephew Steven Michael Carlin and family, and her adopted dogs, Scooter and Scout. Family friends Frank Harris and Arlene Kasten, along with great neighbors Betty Brzezinski and Joe Smith were important in her life. Beth's husband, Jim Valentine, and Mike's wife, Sue Carlin, as well as her parents, predeceased her.

Kathy was educated in the public schools of Wisconsin, an honors graduate of Greenfield High School Class of 1962, and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison with degrees in Medical Technology and Bacteriology. She began her professional career at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee, and as her profession changed, she traveled the country installing computer systems in hospital labs, and ultimately working to enhance computer programs in hospitals in Wisconsin. Following her retirement she began her second career, a labor of love, fostering dogs. She adopted her first foster dog, Lucky, who quietly took charge of any frisky short-term fosters. Once Lucky passed, she adopted Scooter and Scout, who continue to bring great joy to our family.

Kathy was the senior member of our family for almost forty years. During her younger years she led the way with family gatherings, always a gracious hostess. Summertime favorite activities included sharing bonfires on her deck and enjoying the Independence Day fireworks at State Fair Park. She was an excellent seamstress, following in our mother's footsteps, and besides clothes she created curtains, pillows, upholstered furniture, and costumes for several local theater programs. She loved to knit and crochet, and in later years joined other family in creating warm hats to donate to various local charities.

Kathy was an avid sports fan closely following the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Trips to Milwaukee's stadium to watch the Brewers live was a frequent treat, and once mobility issues developed, she and Betty would watch them on TV, seldom missing a game.

Kathy will be interred alongside her parents at Highland Memorial Park, with a graveside ceremony at 11:00 on July 1, 2026. The family will host a Celebration of Life on August 21, 2026, the day Kathy would have turned 82, from 4 - 7 p.m. at Mezcalero Restaurant in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Kathy is survived by many cousins, family and friends and all are welcome to join us in celebration of her life.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the medical teams at Froedtert Hospital for their care of our sister.