Obituary of Kathi Sweeney

Kathi passed away on August 2, 2023, after a long battle with mental illness. 

Kathi was born in Chicago on January 31, 1957 to John and Patricia Sweeney.  Kathi was the oldest child, having two sisters and a brother.  Kathi loved all sports, especially NASCAR, and of course any sport her seven grandchildren played in.  Her greatest joy by far was her grandchildren.  Kathi loved being their Gammy and would follow their lives and support them whenever she could and always made sure to recognize their accomplishments and, of course, their birthdays, and all holidays.

Kathi is preceded in death by her son, Michael “Mikey” Nelson; and father, John Sweeney. 

The loss of her youngest son, Mikey, always stayed with her, even as she tried to find life after his loss.  The darkness that Kathi felt cannot be accurately described and ultimately she made the decision to leave her earthly body to be with him.  Although we are saddened, we know Kathi is at peace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation towards funeral expenses. 

A celebration of Kathi’s life will take place at 4PM on Friday, August 11, 2023 at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  A memorial visitation will take place from 4:30PM until 6:30PM.

One person taking their own life every 40 seconds is an epidemic of mass proportion, leaving no family untouched.  The ensuing recovery for families must find balance between the punches of abandonment, betrayal, rage, doubt, sorrow, loss, guilt, regret, and confusion.  This silent epidemic can be catastrophic.  No family wants to admit that their loved one took their own life, but if talking about and bringing light to it will help even one person find a way to talk about their pain, then we must try and make a difference.  To help others understand, we must reach out to family members, friends, and strangers.  Show kindness, an openness to talk, and more importantly, to listen without judgement, to see signs, and hopefully save a life.  If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifelife (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) at 800-273-8255, text to talk, 741741, or go to Speaking of suicide.com/resources (http://speakingofsuicide.com/resources) for additional resources.