Katherine Louise Nero

Kathy was born February 23, 1966 in Kalamazoo, Michigan as the middle of 5 children. Every child has their role to play in the family, and we were no different. Judy was the bossy one, David the favorite one, Kristen the whiney one, Cricket the quiet one, and Kathy the tattle tale. We all knew to follow the straight and narrow around her, or she would report our transgressions to mom and dad in a heartbeat! She was also the sweet one, and the quietly determined one who never backed down from a challenge. She was never the most athletic person, but in high school decided she wanted to play volleyball. She was not the tallest or most skilled player, but she never missed a practice, played her heart out, and never minded if many times her role was cheerleading the team from the bench. The athletic letter in volleyball she received her junior year, and the right to wear it proudly on her letter jacket were two of her most prized possessions.

Kathy attended the University of Akron and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1989. Our parents had recently relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, and after much arm twisting by our father, she moved to Charlotte and got her first job in the mortgage business. She became a mortgage underwriter, a career she maintained in one form or another her entire adult life. It took her from Charlotte to Indianapolis (twice), New Orleans, and Houston before returning her home to Charlotte. Her job title progressed from underwriter to underwriting supervisor, to lending manager. She worked with and/or managed a large number of people over her 30+ years in the business, and almost everyone of them would quickly tell you what an amazing friend, encouraging teacher, and supportive, dependable coworker or boss she was. She never raised her voice, treated anyone with anything other than respect and encouragement, or was ever anything less than sweet, approachable, and patient.

These same traits extended to her role in our family as well. She never found the love of her life, so she shared the vast amount of love she had with a variety of fur babies over the years. She always had a rescue dog, and when they became a part of her family they fell into doggie heaven. They truly were her “babies” and she lavished them with her love and attention. She also was an amazing aunt to all her nieces and nephews. She went to soccer games and band concerts, hosted cookie-making parties, and never failed to bring special kid-friendly goodies to family gatherings. Her baking skills will be sorely missed!

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Patricia Nero. She is survived by her siblings and their spouses, Judy and Ray Keller, David and Karen Nero, Kristen and Jake Galek, and Cricket and Jeff Herman. She will be especially missed by her nieces and nephews, Michelle, Charles, and Cody Keller, James, Patrick, Caitlyn, and Bryan Nero, and Addison and Evan Galek.

Per Kathy’s request there will not be a formal service, but her family hopes you will take a moment to reflect on her role in your life and share in their sorrow at her loss. In lieu of flower donations her family asks that you consider a donation in her name to the Humane Society or the animal rescue organization of your choice.

Our family would like to send a special thank you to the myriad of family, friends, and especially coworkers who kept a never-ending stream of food, gifts, flowers, and loving thoughts and encouragement coming during Kathy’s battle with cancer. Your loving support never failed to bring her hope and added determination, even during her darkest days. We are so grateful to all of you.