Mary Kathleen “Kathi” Beiswenger, 74, of Holland, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Kathi was born September 1, 1951, in Washington D.C., to William and Mary (O’Brien) Abler. She grew up in Southeast Michigan and graduated from St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School in Ecorse. Kathi then earned a nursing degree from Mercy College of Detroit and began her occupational calling as a registered nurse.
She married Bill Beiswenger, a fellow registered nurse, in 1998, and they lived and worked in Jackson. Kathi was keenly focused on the medical needs of mothers and babies during her U.S. based hospital work. Even in retirement she was a tremendous resource for young women and families on pregnancy, childbirth, and baby healthcare. For many years Kathi and Bill also enjoyed taking international medical trips to Guatemala to provide medical care to those who desperately needed it.
Kathi was influential in the Immune Deficiency community. She traveled to speak at keynote events, and she also lobbied persistently for Immune Deficiency legislation at the state and national level. Kathi was a longtime leader and mentor of the La Leche League.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Bill, her children and grandchildren: Kenny and Rachel Mehi (Emily, Owen), Kristen and Adam Slatinsky (Noah and Reilly Slatinsky, Hannah Slatinsky, Joshua and Leah Slatinsky, Emma Slatinsky); siblings: Bill and Sue Abler, Margie Olepa, Tim and Lauri Abler, Julie Abler, David and Kathy Abler, Alice Eldred-DuPont, Jim and Jackie Abler; brother in-law Ronald and Jane Beiswenger. She was preceded in death by her sister Janie Abler.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, EST, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423. Visiting hours will be 11:30 am – 1:45 pm, Wednesday prior to the memorial service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Sisters of Mercy, HELPS International.
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