Kathleen Ann Levison

Kathy was born in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Robert and Genevieve (Durbin) Penrod. She was the oldest of three siblings. Kathy grew up in Wauseon and was a 1963 graduate of Wauseon High School. She was in the honor’s program at Ohio University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She later received a master’s degree in Counseling at the University of Toledo. Kathy was a lifetime, active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and an active member of McCord Road Christian Church/Five Lakes Church for over 50 years.

Upon graduating from OU, Kathy was hired by Toledo Public Schools and began her career as an English teacher at McTigue Junior High. While Kathy taught pupils how to study, the math teacher down the hall was studying her. They began dating and Ira mailed Kathy a marriage proposal while she was travelling in Europe. The two were married in Wauseon, Ohio, on December 27, 1969.

Kathy was an excellent home cook and baker, making everything from scratch. Her apple pie was a favorite among many. She enjoyed music, Beth Moore Bible studies, and quiet moments with the Lord. She and Ira spent many evenings playing bridge with the Bridge club, and they loved going on trips and cruises with their kids, grandkids, family, and friends.

Kathy loved her family. She was active in her daughters’ education, teaching preschool, helping with classroom parties, as well as attending Becky and Jill’s concerts, sporting events, and school and church programs throughout high school and beyond. Summers were spent as a family at both the cottage at Lake LeAnn and Laurel Hill Swim and Tennis Club where Kathy enjoyed tennis and wonderful times sitting poolside. She was a very hands-on Nanny with all five of her grandchildren. You could hear Kathy cheering loudly for them at school programs and sporting events. They loved to snuggle with their Nanny, bake, read books, and just sit in her presence.

Kathy Levison will be remembered for the impact she made on the lives of others. She was a listening ear, a voice of encouragement and a beacon of God’s light. Family members near and far, friends, students at East Toledo Junior High, clients she counseled, and her beloved Bible study ladies will miss her dearly yet cherish the memories of her.

Kathy is survived by daughters, Becky (Tony) Rydman and Jill (Scott) Hartford; grandchildren, Connor, Elliana, Jake, Cody, and Naomi; brother, Bob (BJ) Penrod; sister, Judy Wolf; and many nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ira; brother-in-law, John Wolf; and nephew, Bruce Levison.

Kathy’s family wants to thank the staff of the Kingston Residence of Sylvania for their loving care of Mom for many years.

The family will have a private burial in Wauseon, Ohio.

Visitations will be held at Five Lakes Church in Sylvania, Ohio on Friday, September 9, 2022, from 6:30-8:30 pm and again on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 1–3 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3 pm with Pastor Benton Cole officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be given in Kathy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Five Lakes Church, or a charitable organization of your choosing.