Kathleen M. Nieto, of Brighton, beloved mom, nana, aunt, and friend, passed into eternal life on Tuesday afternoon, April 1, 2025.  She was 85 years old.

Kathy was born in Detroit on March 17, 1940, to the late William and Marie (Minor) Hodges.  She married the love of her life, Dominic, on June 17, 1961, and sadly, he preceded her on June 24, 2022.

Kathy devoted her life to her family and, along with Dominic, created a home on Madison Street in Dearborn filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was a constant presence at Nowlin Elementary, volunteering during the day and making time for a delicious homemade dinner every night - a testament to the love and care she poured into every moment of her family's life. She had a playful spirit and a remarkable sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around her.

Kathy had a passion for cooking that was only surpassed by her love for her family. She was known far and wide for her legendary "award winning" chili, (as she always placed in top 3 of every cookoff she entered).  A true foodie at heart, Kathy also loved preparing her famous chicken pastina soup, a recipe favorite that her grandchildren loved most. Her holiday meals were the stuff legends are made of, from the epic Thanksgiving feasts with ten different pies and whipped cream fruit salad to her detailed holiday menus, which she meticulously organized and crafted. Whether it was a holiday gathering or a simple family meal, Kathy's cooking brought everyone together, and her table was always open to family and friends.

Passing down traditions to her family was not just important to Kathy—it was a heartfelt duty, a way of keeping love and legacy alive for generations to come. She had a special love for Christmas, decorating her tree with loads of tinsel, scattering the house with Santa Bears and making cookies with her children and grandchildren. New Year's Day brought out her famous Botanas, and every family gathering included meatballs. Christmas at Genetti's, summer birthdays at the swim club, Easter egg hunts in the backyard, Nutcrackers for the girls, and showing up on the grandkid's doorstep in costume for Halloween are all traditions that will live on in the hearts of her family forever. 'Treasure Hunts' with notes that took the kids all over the house and ended with a gingerbread man somewhere in the house were a favorite childhood memory of her children and grandchildren.

Kathy's happiest memories were always centered around family. Some of her most cherished moments were the times spent at her cottage with her parents and brother as a child and a young mother, creating memories that filled her heart with joy and remained with her throughout her life, always bringing a smile when she told the stories to grandkids about Crane Lake in Canada. Summers at Camp Dearborn with her friends and children and then with her grandkids and their friends continue to this day to bring laughter and happy memories to all.

She was a proud hockey mom, cheering loudly for her sons, Dominic and Paul, at their games and always making sure her boys knew she was there, rooting for them every step of the way – a tradition that continued for her grandchildren. Whether at a softball game, baseball game, football game, hockey game, track meet or dance recital she was there cheering them on no matter the weather or the travel distance to get to the game: if it was important to a grandchild – it was important to her to be there.

When she wasn't in the kitchen, or creating ceramic masterpieces, Kathy was an avid reader and traveler. She loved mysteries, reading the entire series of detective novels and knowing the local librarian by name. Kathy's love for travel took her and Dominic to destinations on their bucket list, including Hawaii, Spain, Eastern Europe, the California coast, New York and even an unforgettable road trip to Alaska in a motorhome.  She took great pride in planning a trip's itinerary minute by minute, and making sure no retirement years went by without an annual vacation. When she wasn't travelling or cooking, she loved spending time at the movies, planning date nights well into her 70's with her cherished husband, Dominic.

Her presence at her granddaughter's softball games was a highlight, with team parents saving her a parking spot, and ensuring she had the best seat in the house. Her love for spending time with family and friends extended to all areas of her life, with her favorite times being shopping adventures in Frankenmuth and Birch Run with her daughter, Leslie, and daughters-in-law, Tracy and Kelly.

Kathy's career as a secretary with the City of Dearborn was another demonstration of her hardworking nature and dedication. She was a beloved friend and neighbor, always ready to lend a helping hand and offer a listening ear.

Kathy was a woman of deep faith and devotion. At the age of 72, she and her husband completed the RCIA (Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults) program, sharing this spiritual journey together. Their shared devotion to their faith was a cornerstone of their relationship and their lives, guiding them through many years of love, adventure, and service.

Above all, Kathy was a woman of love—love for her family, her faith, and the simple joys of life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.  In honor of Kathy's life, we ask that you carry forward her spirit of love, faith, humor, and generosity. Her memory will live on in the cherished traditions she created the stories she told, and the love she so freely gave.

Surviving are her beloved children, Leslie (Timothy) Allen, Dominic (Kelly) Nieto and Paul (Tracy) Nieto; cherished grandchildren, Shane (Sara Baker), Patrick and Danny Allen, Kayce (Spencer) Witt, Dominic III, Matthew, Grace and Blake Nieto, Makenzie (Hunter) Wilson, and Morgan and Molly Nieto; as well as many nieces and nephews.  Moreover, Kathy was so happy to learn of two great-grandsons on the way in the coming months!  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Fred (the late Donna) Hodges.

The Nieto family will receive guests at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington, on Tuesday, April 8, from 2-8 pm. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm.

Kathleen's funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday morning, April 9, at 10:30 am (in state 9:30 am) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 711 Rickett Road, Brighton.

The interment of Kathy and Dominic's cremains is scheduled for Thursday, April 10th, at 2:30 pm, at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Those who wish to further honor Kathy's memory are invited to contribute in her name to the Michigan Humane Society.

Kindly keep the Nieto family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.