The last time I saw my Aunt Kittie she was full of sunshine just as she always was. She welcomed my sister and I into her home with open arms and began showering us with items she wanted us to take with us: a lace blanket, a pair of earrings, a necklace, and I kept telling her to stop. But, I think even then she knew it would be the last time we saw each other and she was giving away things she thought would help us to remember her.
As if we would ever, could ever forget her. Anyone, anyone who met this marvelous lady met someone unforgettable. She had gumption, audacity, grace, wisdom, honesty…there are not enough words to describe her and what she meant to me.
We are going to hold a memorial for her at the Heath Sullivan Family Reunion in July. By then, I hope I can come up with the words.
If you’re interested in her family line, you can view her tree here.
What My Aunt Meant to Me
By an unknown author
“Aunts have no
wands or wings,
So they work with
wisdom, love,
and things.
Having taken
on this role,
You loved me
right down to
my soul.”
Darlene “Kitty” Heath
September 25, 1942 — January 14, 2024
HEATH – Darlene “Kitty” age 81 of Holly, passed away peacefully at her home, with her children by her side, on January 14, 2024. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life Gathering will be announced and held in the spring Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Darlene may be made to the American Lung Association (www.actionlung.org) or to the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org).
Darlene was born on September 25, 1942 in Flint, Michigan to the late Dale C. and Glenevie Agnes (Sullivan) Heath, Sr.. She graduated from Flint Northern High School, worked for General Motors Lake Orion Assembly and enjoyed retirement, traveling, gardening and being with her pets..
She is survived by her children, Richard “Buck” (Leann) Clouse of Thermopolis, WY; Dena Clouse of Holly; Teresa (Rick) Branham of Fenton. Grandchildren, Zachary; Katie; Rebecca; Jason; Ryan (James); Heath (Venessa); Zayhden. Six great-grandchildren also survive. Siblings, Duane Heath; Dean (Mary Beth) Heath; Dale Heath; Dan (Denise) Heath; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends..
Kitty was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David C.; Derald C.; James H.; and her furry family, Charlie; Shannon; Bonnie; Kensey; Griz; Leonardo; Ali and her beloved childhood dog; Skipper.
Online condolences may be shared on Kitty’s obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Darlene “Kitty” Heath, please visit our flower store.
In memory of Darlene “Kitty” Heath, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:
American Lung Association, National Headquarters
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
