Kathryn (Kathy) Retmier, a former resident of West Tisbury, died Dec. 30, 2023. She was 65.
In the early ‘90s, Kathy found her way to the Vineyard as a single mom searching for a welcoming community to raise her two children. She loved the Vineyard deeply and found it quite difficult to have to relocate to the Cape in 2022 when her health declined. She fought a quiet battle with constant health issues and dealt with her pain and suffering with a graceful grit day after day.
Kathy was quite the volunteer. She was always the parent to chaperone field trips, sew costumes for plays, haul as many smelly, sweaty hockey kids and hockey bags as could fit in her car, facilitate SafeRides.
After her children were both grown, she realized that she had empty bedrooms and a heart that could love more. As a foster parent, she welcomed more than 20 children aged 6 months to 18 years old into her home. She found great purpose from this part of her life and was always ready to welcome the next child.
Her family would be remiss if they did not mention Kathy’s love of dogs, especially her great danes. She could be seen driving around the Island in her blue Mustang convertible with Frankie.
Kathy is survived by her son Benjamin Retmier of West Tisbury, daughter Quinn Colbert of Sandwich and her brothers Steve Holman and Jim Holman. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Sue Holman.
A celebration of her life will be in the summer when those who loved her can celebrate her at her most favorite place: a Vineyard beach. Details will be announced at a time in the future.
Memorial contributions may be made to Great Dane Rescue of New England at gdrne.org.
