Kathleen Marie Cardinal

Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, March 2, 1964
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Age:
57 years old
Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, March 2, 1964
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Age:
57 years old
Byron Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, March 2, 1964
Date of Death:
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Age:
57 years old

Kathleen Marie Cardinal

Kathleen Marie Cardinal, 57, of Hampton, MN, died Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at United Hospital.

Kathy was born March 2, 1964 in Rochester, MN to Leo and Marge (Wilson) Connelly. She graduated from Byron High School in 1982, Winona State University in 1986 and received her Masters in Literacy and Learning from Hamline University in 2000. On June 20, 1992, she married Dave W. Cardinal at Church of the Resurrection in Rochester, MN. The couple lived in Hampton, MN. Kathy worked as a first grade teacher for Mendota Elementary and the ISD 197 School District for over 30 years.

Kathy loved the outdoors, camping with her family and friends, hiking forest trails, admiring the moon and stars, and spending time with her family. She was a devoted teacher and a beloved friend to all.

She is survived by her husband, Dave Cardinal of Hampton, MN; daughter, Kayleigh Cardinal of Minneapolis, MN; son, Michael Cardinal of Ely, MN; son, Eric (Brianna) Cardinal of Fairhaven; three sisters, Mary Lynn (Darren) Overton, Karen (Tom) Besch, and Nancy Connelly; four brothers, Steve Connelly, Craig Connelly, Mark (Adina) Connelly, Brian (Diana) Connelly; one brother-in-law and five sisters-in-law; 25 nieces and nephews; and three grandchildren, Isabella, Lilyan, and Evelyn. She is preceded in death by her mother and father.

Per Kathy’s request, the funeral service will be by private invite only at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosemount, MN.

Condolences

The family of Kathleen Marie Cardinal has received the following condolences.

Both of my boys had Mrs. Cardinal as their first grade teacher and she was the best!  Each year I buy them a Christmas ornament that represents their year and each of them has a cardinal from first grade.  We will always think of Mrs. Cardinal's bright smile as we place those ornaments on our tree.  Keeping your family in our thoughts during this difficult time.


 


Kindly,


Julie, Scott, William, and Patrick Karlen

My son is now a sophomore and had Kathy as his teacher in 1st grade. What an amazing teacher she was! He learned to read and write like a pro in her class. I still remember her “poetry and punch” event and the remarkable large format laminated spiral-bound book of the year’s best work sent home at the end of the year. My son would help her out after school in subsequent years doing chores and sharpening pencils. May Kathy’s memory be a blessing to all she leaves behind.

Kathy was my childhood friend, together with her sister, Mary Lynn. Our families were close. When we were last together, in August, after many years not seeing each other, it was such a gift. Those deep bonds made early last. I love the way Kathy laughed, the way she was relaxed and yet ready for anything. I remember how absolutely glowing she and Dave were at their wedding. At my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, she told me how she had written a new teaching curriculum, and I felt first-hand her passion for students and their learning experience. She made a difference in the lives of so many young people. I'm so grateful I got to meet her inspiring daughter, Kayleigh, last summer. I send comfort to Kathy's family. I am so sorry that you had to lose her too soon. Kathy lives on in my heart and in my memories. God bless her, the Cardinals, the Connellys, and all who loved her.

We are sorry for your loss. My daughter had Mrs Cardinal in 2016-2017,my daughter had been mute in school until she was in first grade. She was so comfortable and gained confidence because of her awesome teacher! Her printing is also on point! It like like it was from a computer. We owe so much to Mrs Cardinal for changing our daughters life! Kathy was so patient with her she is now in 6th grade and is excelling. She changed so many kids lives. Our prayers are with you all.

We are sorry for your loss. My daughter had Mrs Cardinal in 2016-2017,my daughter had been mute in school until she was in first grade. She was so comfortable and gained confidence because of her awesome teacher! Her printing is also on point! It like like it was from a computer. We owe so much to Mrs Cardinal for changing our daughters life! Kathy was so patient with her she is now in 6th grade and is excelling. She changed so many kids lives. Our prayers are with you all.

“Mrs. Cardinal” simply had the magic. I knew her to be smart, funny, kind, compassionate, nurturing, generous, and wise. She somehow managed to buzz around the classroom teaching and connecting with each student while never seeming hurried and creating a peaceful environment. I called hers the Zen classroom. I am grateful that my children, and I, had the opportunity to learn from this beautiful woman. Lessons we will carry with us forever. My heart goes out to you, her family, and her many, many friends.

Devoted and beloved teacher doesn't even touch the tip of the iceberg in describing "Mrs. Cardinal." Kind, generous, uplifting, gentle, caring, true professional, are just a few of the other descriptors that come to mind. She had a knack for understanding her students, and remembering them (and their parents!) long after they had been in her class. As a volunteer who works often in a garden in front of the school, I would frequently run into her working late at school as she got into her car. Except, she would always linger a bit to chat and ask how everyone was doing. Such a hard loss.

Karen, Darren, and the rest of the Family - My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time!  I know her light will continue to shine through all of you.  Blessings!

Thinking of your family and asking God to surround you all with peace and love. May your cherished memories give you strength through this difficult time. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out for Kathy and her family. Growing up we have so many great memories of going out to the farm to visit our cousins. Sending my heart felt sympathy and condolences to all who knew her, especially her siblings. She will be missed. 


Mark 

I am sending my condolences to all of you. I am a friend of Nancy's and I now see how you all are where she got her beautiful heart from. Bless all of your huge hearts. Sending up prayers and hugs. God speed ??❤