Obituary of Kathleen Anne Aldred

Kathleen Anne Aldred (nee Donahue), age 82, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, in Jackson, Michigan surrounded by her family. 

Born on April 9, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, Kathleen – known affectionately as Kathy – lived a life marked by dedication to her family, her work, and her passions.  She was the daughter of Thomas and Marion Donahue (Rugg) and grew up alongside her siblings Barbara Luke, Connie Cameron, and Sonny Donahue. 

Kathy proudly served her country in the United States Marine Corps from June 1961 through February 1963.  Stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina, she held the rank of Private and specialized in administrative management as a stenographer.  It was during her time in the Marines that she met and married her beloved husband, Enos Aldred.  Their union was one of shared strength and devotion spanning almost 50 years until Enos’s passing in 2012. 

Following her military service, Kathy built a career rooted in customer care.  She worked for years in retail customer service and sales, where her warm demeanor and attentiveness left lasting impressions on those she served.  In addition to her retail work, Kathy found great joy and fulfillment as a dog groomer, a role she embraced for over four decades.  Her love for animals extended beyond grooming; she raised poodle puppies over the years and cherished the companionship of many beloved dogs throughout her life. 

Family was at the heart of everything Kathy did.  She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Jodi Maske and son in law Jeffrey Maske; granddaughters Jessica Shafer (Tyler Shafer) and Jenna Maske (Xavier Buentello); sister Connie Cameron and brother-in-law Larry Cameron; many nieces and nephews.  Her deep love for them was evident in every moment spent together-from family gatherings to working in the yard with Jeffrey to enjoying a shopping trip. 

Kathy’s home in Vestaburg , Michigan, bloomed with life each summer as she planted flowers and vegetables with care.  She delighted in garage sales and shopping excursions that often ended with thoughtful gifts for loved ones or new treasures for her home.  Her generosity knew no bounds- she gave freely of herself to those around her with kindness that touched many lives. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Enos William Aldred (Bill); parents Thomas and Marion Donahue; sister Barbara Luke; brother-in-law Colin Luke; and brother Sonny Donahue. 

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held with immediate family in Jackson, Michigan later this Spring. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Cascade Senior Care Center Meadows Memory Care for taking compassionate care of her and Optimal Hospice of Jackson. 

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Dementia Society of America or to your local Memory Care specialists to aid them in caring for others affected by this disease. 

Kathy’s memory will live on through the love she gave so freely and the lives she touched with warmth and grace.  May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.