Kathleen Diane Scarry

Kathleen “Kathy” D. Scarry, 68, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, IL. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00 PM, Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph with Pastors Joseph L. Merichko & Thaddeus B. Searcy officiating.  Friends may visit from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family’s college fund for Kathy’s nieces and nephews check in care of Kristeen or John Merichko. Those wishing to sign Kathy’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Kathy was born October 10, 1948 in Homestead, PA to John L. & Elsie Mae (Clark) Scarry. She was a 1966 graduate of Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, IL. She went on to attend Northern Illinois University and in 1970 received her Bachelor of Science degree as a registered nurse. Kathy then went on to further her education  receiving her master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from St. Xavier College in Oak Lawn, IL in 1973. In 1976 she became a certified family therapist at the Family Institute of Chicago. She received her nurse practitioner degree in 1980 and her Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2000. She also was certified as an addictions counselor. Kathy was a Professor of Nursing at Indiana University in South Bend, IN and retired from Berrien County Health Department in 2011. Kathy was instrumental in starting the first Hospice in Joliet, IL and the first alcohol and chemical dependency treatment center in Berrien County. Many individuals have had their lives enriched by her either through a personal or professional relationship. Kathy loved Chicago, Lake Michigan and St. Joseph. Kathy loved to dance; she was long time member of the YWCA in St. Joseph and South Shore Racquet Club. Kathy is survived by the love of her life Phillip M. Stevens of Sodus Township, sister Kristeen (John) Merichko of Orland Park, IL; aunt Mary Catherine Scarry of Elizabeth, PA; nephews Michael (Kimberly) Merichko and Pastor Joseph (Rebecca) Merichko; niece Valentina (Kevin) Burke; great nieces and nephews Angelica Merichko, Josiah Merichko, Anna Merichko, Liam Merichko and Lily Burke, and many loving cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, nephew John Merichko and aunt Sally Ringbloom.