Kathryn Conlin

Kathryn Lucille Conlin, 74, originally of Miami, AZ, died under the loving care of the family that was the pride of her all too brief life. Known by many family and friends as “Toots”, she radiated grace, beauty and dignity to the very end. She was born on May 23, 1935, attended school in Miami, AZ and later graduated from the University of Arizona. She married Frank Conlin in 1958 and moved to Fargo shortly thereafter. Kathryn lived an exemplary life of kindness and integrity with a remarkable devotion to philanthropic organizations, giving each and every solicitor a fighting chance to sell their cause. She spent the majority of her years in Fargo dedicated to raising of her children. She was fixture at the fragrance counter of Dayton’s / Marshall Field’s / Macy’s for close to 30 years. She claimed to have “the adventuresome spirit of a homing pigeon” yet recently enjoyed traveling to Boston, New York, San Francisco and Costa Rica. Known for her quick wit and clever use of sarcasm, she formed enduring relationships with hundreds of friends. She enjoyed movies, the arts, political, philosophical and religious discussions, gardens and hibiscus plants. In praise of this beautiful, diverse woman we offer the following tributes: “You are greater than your chicken enchiladas, wild rice hotdish and handmade buttery toffee, better than your eclectic collection of over 150 VCR tapes of baseball and basketball games and situational comedies, better than your incredible collection of belts, brooches, and sweaters, better than your habit of humming while doing the daily crossword puzzle and better than your lack of household cleaning skills. Your spirit will endure on in us each and every day and for that we are forever grateful.” Kathryn passed away on February 7, 2010 finally being released from the colon cancer in her liver, which was the only flaw in an otherwise brilliantly-led life. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Annie Lutich and sister, Mary Ann. She is survived by her brothers, Baldo Lutich, Dallas, TX and John Paul (Jan) Lutich, Scottsdale, AZ; her children, Ann (Doug) Duran, Steve (Jane) Conlin, Paul (Kerry) Conlin, Sheila Sornsin, Michael (Lisa) Conlin and Elizabeth Conlin; grandchildren, Ashley, Jake, Kate, Greg, Amanda, Cassi, Cody, Georgia, Dexter, Mackenzie and Callie; many cherished and loved nieces, nephews, co-workers and, as she used to say, “the few intimate readers of the Forum.” She will be remembered as a great cook, gracious hostess, and the queen of a castle with an open door policy for the many friends of her children. Visitation will be from Wednesday, February 10 from 5 to 7 pm with a prayer service starting at 7 pm at Boulger Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 2:30 pm on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Nativity Church. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND