Kathryn Starr

STARR, KATHRYN ANNE 12/19/47-6/15/2021

Kathy Starr left this world on June 15 at the age of 73, after a brief illness. Kathy was truly the definition of a vibrant, warm and loving, energetic and strong woman. She was the daughter of Arthur G. Starr and Lorraine M. Starr and the eldest of originally five and, through marriage of her Father, eventually became the eldest of nine Starr children.

Kathy is survived by stepmother Mary Starr; brothers Art L Starr, Gary Rennecker (Debbie), Charles ("Skip") Starr, and Robert "Tico" Starr (Molly); sisters Debbie Niernberger (David),and Patty Cain (Jim), Cory Itri (Luciano), as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Born in NYC in 1947, she moved to Denver as an infant and began a life of unmatched love and enthusiasm for Colorado's blue skies and majestic mountains. Pikes Peak and Grand Lake two of her favorite. Growing up in Park Hill during the 50's and 60's, Kathy was the 'Queen' of the trampoline and loved life in a neighborhood filled with big families and loads of fun.

Kathy graduated from Machebeuf High School in 1965 where she excelled in academics and athletics. Swimming and skiing became her favorite sports. The Ski Club bus, chaperoned by her parents, made weekly trips to the slopes and Kathy never missed a trip.

Kathy went on to study at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA and also spent a year in studying abroad in Florence and Rome, where her Catholic faith was solidified. She made lifelong friends at Gonzaga and maintained those friendships to this day. After graduating with honors and an English Degree in 1969, she moved back home to Colorado, married and built a home with her husband in one of her favorite areas, the mountains west of Colorado Springs.

With Kathy's natural caring spirit, as well as a husband, father and grandfather in Medicine, it was only natural that she would enter that field as well. As a Registered Nurse, Kathy worked selflessly in positions at Penrose Hospital, the University of Colorado Emergency Room, and as Corporate Medical Director for Currant Stationary headquarters in Colorado Springs.

In the early 90's, now single, she felt a call to return to Denver to provide a home and ease the suffering of her seriously ill brother Tom. Once again giving of herself she became Tom's full time caretaker until his death in 1994. She subsequently began a celebrated career at Kaiser Permanente in Denver with various positions at call centers and health facilities, but spent most of her years as a Senior Radiology R.N. at Kaiser Permanente's main medical offices in Denver, eventually retiring in 2012.

Kathy's family meant everything to her and it was the main focus in her life. Seeing her nieces and nephews would light up her face, but she always had a special sparkle for her nieces. Even her friends children called her Aunt Kathy and others, their 'Colorado Aunt'. Forget a Birthday or Anniversary, of any kind, at any time, for any of her friends or family? Very simply, never! You could always expect a call, a card, or flowers, and presents if you were a kid. She would spend hours shopping for the perfect Card or present for someone’s special occasion, and when sent it was sure to cause a smile, a laugh, a scream... the funnier the better. Her sense of humor was one of her greatest traits, and Kath was always just plain fun and enthusiastic about everything! She could be awe struck by the sighting of a Monarch Butterfly or moved to tears witnessing the Pope’s visit to Denver. (a highlight of her life).

Perhaps Kathy’s greatest gift to all she knew was her genuine joy at simply spending time with you. A movie, lunch, a concert, anywhere as long as it was 'her treat'. Looking at her life it seems pretty fitting now that her fun hobby was collecting a variety of Angels that brought her smiles and joy........

Kathy's faith guided her whole life in every action, every single day, as she was the one who visited anyone sick, rendered aid to any car accident victim and would rally for you if in the hospital. Kath, your Family and your friends dread this early goodbye, and to borrow a most perfect reflection of your life, "this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you."

In leu of Formal Services, a Funeral Mass will be held Monday, 10:00 A M. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 4900 Montview Blvd, Denver.