Kathryn Folsom

Kathryn Folsom (Alban)

March 31, 1939 – October 27, 2026

Kathryn Folsom, a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, at 7:05 p.m., following a courageous year-long battle with cancer. She was 87 years old.

Born on March 31, 1939, in Van Wert, Ohio, Kathryn lived a life centered around the people she loved most. Her sole passion in life was her family. She was a devoted, caring, compassionate, and kind woman whose love for her family knew no bounds. Whether as a mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt, she gave of herself wholeheartedly, creating bonds and memories that will be treasured for generations.

Kathryn was also an incredibly strong and courageous woman. She faced cancer three times throughout her life, beating it twice — first in her 40s and again in her 60s. When cancer returned for a third time, she fought with the same determination and strength that had carried her through so much before. Her love for her family was what drove her to continue fighting until the very end. Though this final battle was one she could not overcome, she faced it with remarkable courage. She passed peacefully, knowing she was surrounded by the love of so many people whose lives she had touched.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she took immense pride in her three children: Jean Marie Diaz and her husband, Samuel; Timothy John Folsom and his wife, Anna; and Jennifer Ann Folsom-Hartley and her husband, Ian. She was a loving and proud grandmother to Lydia Cepuran, Chelsea Diaz, Jessica Diaz, Ryder Folsom, and Roxy Folsom, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Kathryn's love extended far beyond her immediate family. She dearly loved her many nieces and nephews, as well as her countless cousins, with whom she remained in contact throughout her life. She cherished these relationships and the family connections that meant so much to her. Her siblings, Ann Sulisz (Jerry), Margaret Wavrek (Donald), Timothy Alban (Patricia), Gayle La Magna, and Gayle's friend Barb Tober, whom she considered like a sister, were especially dear to her.

Kathryn was also blessed with a remarkable creative talent. A gifted and dedicated seamstress, she made wedding dresses, clothing, pillows, drapes, and countless other special creations for family members and friends. Her creativity extended into the holidays, when she made beautiful wreaths, Christmas trees, and other festive decorations. Through her hands, she created things that brought beauty, comfort, and joy to the people around her.

Kathryn was also an avid reader who found great joy in books. Throughout her life, she read thousands of books, building a collection that reflected her love of reading. Many of those books have since been passed along to family members and friends, allowing others to enjoy them and keeping a little piece of Kathryn with them.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her brother John Thomas Alban, her sister Barbara Jeffries, her stepbrothers Wilson West, Ronald West, and Michael West, her nephews Stephen Kozler, Ryan Alban, and Dale Sulisz, and her brother-in-law Jerry Sulisz.

Those who knew and loved Kathryn will remember her for her kindness, compassion, strength, creativity, and, above all, her unwavering devotion to family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy woven through the lives of her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love she gave, the things she created, and the countless memories she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Her greatest gift was her love for her family. It was what gave her strength, what kept her fighting, and what will forever bind those she leaves behind. She was deeply loved, and she will be loved and remembered always.

Funeral Arrangements

A funeral service celebrating Kathryn's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at:

715 N. Lapeer Road Lake Orion, MI 48362

Visitation will begin at 10:15 a.m. prior to the service.

Following the service, lunch will be served at the church, and family and friends are invited to gather together to share memories, celebrate Kathryn's life, and find comfort in one another.

The family welcomes all who knew and loved Kathryn to join them in honoring her memory.