Kathleen (Nelson) Chosa died peacefully Sunday May 12, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 19, 1944, to the late Bernice (Landry, Nelson) Ladwig and the late Alvin Nelson.

The text that follows are Mom's words:

"I was also the daughter of the best stepfather a girl could have, Virgil Ladwig. We revere your memory always, Virg. I was preceded in death by my parents, my brother Bruce and sisters-in-law Peg (Geimer) Nelson, and Sandie (MacIntyre) Nelson. I married Thomas Chosa in 1966 and together we were blessed with three wonderful children. I am survived by my children; Tony (Linda) Chosa, Kris (Blake) Hanson, DeDe (Dave) Ottelien, my grandchildren; Abby Hanson, Mitch Chosa, Elaine Chosa and Tommy Chosa. I am further survived by my beloved brother Larry (Judy) Nelson, sister MaryAnn Johnson and so many special nieces and nephews.

My children were my joy and my pride, and I was honored to be their mother and their children's grandmother. We shared so many wonderful milestones and I absolutely loved cheerleading all your accomplishments. You were my life and I adored you.

I attended St Joseph Academy in Green Bay for a year before graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School and NWTC as a Medical Assistant. I treasured working as a Medical Assistant for over 30 years with my close friends at Bay West OB/GYN and Aurora – you were all my second family.

My heart overflows with wonderful childhood adventures of my youth spent playing at Baird's Creek with my cousins and later growing into young adulthood in Sturgeon Bay with my lifelong friends. It was the best! Most recently was the joy we shared getting together with our grade school buddies at our monthly breakfast and the girls in our 'Stitch and Bitch' group.

Fall was my favorite time of year and as a Packers Season Ticket Holder, I delighted in years of tailgating and attending Super Bowls with my best friends Leslie and Chuck Hagmann – Leslie, I love you and am forever grateful for your love and friendship.

I tried hard to live my faith in God through serving as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteering at St Patrick's Pantry and with Friends of Haiti. I was honored to serve on seven medical assistance trips to Haiti and I genuinely adored my Haitian friends.

Thank you, Pat, Jane, the McGuires and Dr. Mendoza for all your care and friendship, and especially to Dr. Don Sipes – my physician and my friend."

Friends and family may call at Resurrection Catholic Church Friday, May 17 from 8:45-10:45 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Friends of Haiti or St Patrick's Pantry.