Kathleen Christina Kromer Grimesey, 80, died peacefully on May 17, 2014, at her home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Kathleen was born on August 27, 1933, to Aaron Kromer and Theresa Leimeister Kromer in Sandusky, Ohio. She grew up on the family dairy farm homesteaded in 1879, and presently owned and operated by her nephew, Matthew Kromer. Kathleen attended Margaretta Elementary and St. Mary’s Catholic Central High School.

After high school, Kathleen worked for General Motors in the accounting department. She earned a full scholarship, and entered Providence School of Nursing in Sandusky, graduating as a registered nurse in 1957. That same year, she married Robert Grimesey, and together they established their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Kathy worked in the operating room, and opened and managed the post anesthesia recovery room at the then Sacred Heart Hospital. The couple moved into a new home they built themselves in Arco, Idaho, in 1962.

Kathy was active in the Idaho Democratic Party, serving as State Committee Chairwoman for Governor Cecil Andrus, and campaigning for Senator Frank Church. In 1976, Kathy and Robert moved back to Idaho Falls, and Kathy practiced orthopedic nursing at the then Parkview Community Hospital.

After retirement in 1990, Kathy settled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She actively served her church throughout her lifetime in many roles, including president of the altar society, youth catechist, and hospitality and Eucharistic lay minister.

Kathy was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, compassionate nurse, and devout Roman Catholic. Her faith provided a strong foundation for the struggles of life and solace during her brief illness and death.

Kathy is survived by her children: daughter, Margo (Chris) Villa, of Seattle, Wash., daughter, Eileen (David) Reid, of Spokane, Wash., son, Andy Grimesey, daughter, Rachel Grimesey, and son Logan Grimesey, of Coeur d'Alene; and five grandchildren.

Her family will love and miss her, our “prayer warrior,” forever. We are comforted to know she is now with her Lord.

Funeral mass and Interment will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 7, at St. Pius Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. Condolences may be sent to the Grimesey Family at 2816 N. 9th St., Coeur d'Alene.