Kathy Lea ALLISON

ALLISON, Kathy Lea (Nieznay), of Flint, MI lost her fight with cancer on July 26, 2010 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. A memorial service for family and close friends will be held at West Flint Nazarene Church, 2254 Dye Rd., Flint on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 1:00 PM arrangements made by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brigham and Women's Hospital: BWH Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave 5th floor, Boston, MA 02116 designate the Mesothelioma Treatment and Research Fund in the memo line of check. Kathy was born on February 21, 1958 in Flint, the daughter of John and Carrie Nieznay. She graduated from Carman High School, Class of 1976. She retired from Flint Community Schools as a bus driver/custodian after 30 years of service, spending many years at Washington and Anderson Elementary Schools. After retirement, she worked part time driving bus for Swartz Creek Schools. She was an active member of the congregation at West Flint Nazarene her entire life and liked volunteering, especially with students. Some of her fondest memories were helping Hohn drive bus for various youth group mission trips to the dude ranch in Wyoming, VBS in Colorado, Philadelphia, New Your and Indianapolis. Kathy loved helping others and could not say "no". She was passionate about Flint Generals Hockey, flower gardening and butterflies. She enjoyed traveling, reading, playing volleyball, and bowling. Kindness, loyalty, faith, strength and laughter best describe Kathy. She was married for 34 years to her soul mate, John. She is survived by her husband John; two daughters, Kira Allison and Kristen Maxwell; mother, Carrie Burghardt; sisters, Betty Barnes, Nancy Reiser, and Elaine Mackey; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, father, Uncle Don, and niece Tracy. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Brigham and Women's Cancer Center and the 11th floor Thoracic Unit for their excellent care and support. Online tributes can be made at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com