Kathryn May Nelke passed away last week after 102 years of vibrant life. Kathryn was born in 1911 on Long Island, NY, as the second of three sisters. Her childhood speaks to how many changes she witnessed over the past century-- she grew up when the local elementary school had just two rooms and the family could tread for clams in the Atlantic Ocean. Many of Kathryn's warmest memories in the 1920s and 1930s involved summers with family and friends at High Hill Beach: in her own words, "water games, marshmallow roasts, dancing on weekends, and end of season masquerades." In 1937 Kathryn married her long-time admirer from eighth grade, and they remained happily together until his passing 47 years later. After Kathryn's husband returned from World War II service in the Pacific, the couple drove their green Dodge coupe more than 10,000 miles across the U.S. in what would be the first of Kathryn's many travel adventures. Kathryn left her job of 18 years at the New York Telephone Company when her first child, a son, was born. As a proud and devoted mother of two, she always brought style and creativity to the home. Highlights of family memories include boating on Long Island Sound and cross-country trips that kindled her children's love of the country's National Parks. After her husband's death, and at the young age of 73, Kathryn determined it was time to see the world. She ultimately managed to visit all 50 states and 6 of the 7 continents, bringing home stories of boating up the Amazon, cruising the fjords of Norway, and walking on the Great Wall of China. She nurtured a superlative love for New Zealand—a passion she later was able to share with her grandson. She last traveled abroad at the age of 89, but continued living independently in Marshfield for the last twelve years of her life– a true blessing to her family nearby. More important than the milestones in Kathryn's life, though, are the ways she touched and inspired the people around her. Those who knew her will remember her as a "classy woman", a "great lady"; she was intensely private, a stoic survivor, and fiercely independent. She was a caring mother and devoted grandmother of two, for whom her loving presence, vivacity, and mental acuity brought so many smiles. Indeed, Kathryn exemplified her core philosophy that little good comes from dwelling on life's painful moments; rather, she wished everyone to be happy. The family and friends around the world whom she leaves behind remain blessed by her sunshine and love. She inspired all who knew her to embrace fully all that life offers. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 4, 2013 at St. John's Catholic Church, Marshfield. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be designated to the Frederic Ozanam Transitional Shelter, Marshfield, Wisconsin. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com