Kaye Rose Wightman

Kaye Rose Wightman (Haskin), 85, of Richmond, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Born on May 28, 1939, in Great Bend, Kansas, to the late Woodrow and Hilda Haskin, Kaye was a devoted wife to the late Claude Wightman and a cherished mother to Jennifer (James) Falconello, Amber (Paul) Zachara, Shawn (Ricanna) Wightman, and Sean (Traci) Wightman. She was the beloved grandmother of James Falconello IV, Paul (Nichole) Zachara, Aaron (Jessica) Zachara, Courtney Wightman, Lindsay Wightman, and Kyleigh Wightman. Kaye is also survived by her brother Jerry (Doris) Haskin and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-8:00 p.m., with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Rewalt-Peshek Funeral Home, 68655 Stoecker Lane, Richmond, MI 48062. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass, on Friday, July 26, 2024, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 68035 Main St., Richmond, MI 48062.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Central Michigan University, Kaye dedicated much of her life to education, working as a teacher in Lakeview Community Schools, Homer Community Schools, and Richmond Community Schools. She also served as the Food Service Director for Richmond Community Schools. Additionally, Kaye was a talented artist and fashion illustrator for Sperry’s Department Store in Port Huron, MI. As a freelance illustrator, she produced numerous works for local businesses, politicians, friends, and families throughout the Blue Water Area. Her artwork was featured in multiple national department store catalogs in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, showcasing her exceptional talent and creativity to a broad audience. Kaye had many interests and passions, including archaeology, oceanography, nature, politics, painting, knitting, needlepoint, reading, and cooking. She was primarily known for her memorable taco dinners, which were made with her delicious handmade tortillas, acclaimed ham, spinach, mushroom, and cheddar quiche, which won several awards, and her award-winning cheddar potato soup. The soup was famously made with the distinctive "government cheese," a product distributed by a federal program during the 1980s recession. Known for its unique flavor and pale orange color, this cheese was emblematic of the times, often evoking mixed feelings of gratitude and humility. Kaye's use of this cheese in her soup turned a humble ingredient into a cherished family memory, showcasing her talent and creativity in the kitchen. Her grandsons especially enjoyed the S.O.S. meals during their visits to the homestead off Preistap Street. This dish, known as "cream chipped beef on toast," became popular slang among American soldiers during World War II and was affectionately referred to as S.O.S., or "s@#t on a shingle." Kaye’s version of this classic meal was a favorite, adding to the fond memories of family gatherings. Beyond her culinary talents, Kaye was deeply involved in her community. She regularly volunteered at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in St. Clair, Michigan, supported families as a parent advocate for children with special needs, and regularly donated to local animal shelters. Her kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. As a family, we reflect on Kaye's life and remember her as the heart and soul of our family, a beacon of love, kindness, and creativity. Her unwavering support and boundless generosity touched us deeply, and her legacy of compassion and dedication will forever guide us. We cherish the memories of her warm spirit and the joy she brought into our lives. Kaye's warmth and generosity will be dearly missed by all who know her. Kaye's legacy lives on through her family, who carry forward her compassion, creativity, and dedication values. Her life was a testament to the power of love and resilience, and she will be remembered for her warm spirit and unwavering support of those around her.