In Memoriam
 

Kathy Artisensi
1954 - 2007

Kathy “Sister” Artisensi

By Sandy Anderson ststravelservice@frontiernet.net

I truly believe that my sister was not only of part Irish heritage but also a wee bit Leprechaun.  She was fun loving, full of mischief for as long as I can remember, loved to be social and  never shied away from commitment if she could be of service to others or her community.   I have mentioned many times with envy, “You are so lucky to have lived your whole life in one community.  Your best friends are the kids you went to kindergarten with”.  How many people can say that these days?

Kathy was the youngest of five children in our family, my only sister and my best friend. Fortunately we were lucky enough to live most of our adult lives within close proximity so that we could enjoy and share countless happy times with our spouses, children,  parents and siblings.  To me she was the heart and soul of our family unit. As we grew older, we also grew closer.  And as her MS disease grew more challenging for her to deal with, I could see an amazing strength emerge from within her.  Her body did not always cooperate with what her plans might have been on a given day and adjustments had to be made, but it never deterred her.  She constantly amazed me at how she just kept going and what a wonderful outlook she had on life.

Kathy was very instrumental in helping to organize the Jim Hogan Fun Run.  It truly was a highlight in her life each year as she would part-take in the role of   “Jim’s Biker Babe”.   Thanks to this wonderful group of bikers,  the Jim Hogan Fun Run continues to grow with each year. All proceeds go to the Iron Range Multiple Sclerosis Chapter, helping to provide necessary handicap equipment/items to people with MS as needs change in their lives. Having watched my sister and been closely involved with her life as she lived with this disease for over 20 years, I know how important it is for folks to see that a friend or family member struggling with this disease has some where to go for help when the time comes.

Kathy’s family and friends meant everything to her. She was also the bravest person I ever knew. Kathy left us suddenly on Jan 26^th  2007.   I will miss her and all the serious and crazy “sister” moments we shared; forever I will hold her in my heart.