Obituary of Kathleen M Proper

Kathleen Mary Foster Proper 1/8/49-2/25/23

Kathleen Mary Foster Proper was the daughter and only child of Rayda Devan (Ray D) and Margaret Miles Foster. She was born on January 8, 1949, in Gainesville, Florida. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. Kathi was educated at Catholic schools in St. Petersburg, FL: St. Jude’s, primary; Notre Dame Academy, high school.  She earned a Master’s in Education at the University of South Florida.

Kathi served the children and families of Pinellas County as an educator for 35 years. During her career, she taught in the classroom and served as an Assistant Principal.  She served as Principal of Lynch Elementary from July 1995-July 2003, and Principal of Woodlawn Elementary, from July 2005-May 2009.  

Kathi's life was filled with long-standing friendships: The BeachBabes, The Coasties, The Principals, and The Cowgirls. But her first love was always her animals. They were faithful, affectionate, and a constant in her life from childhood.  

PetPal Animal Shelter in St. Petersburg became Kathi's home away from home when she retired.   PetPal allowed her to fulfill her dedication to helping animals in need.

Kathi Proper is survived by many cousins:Dale McGoldrick, Macon, GA, Toni Vaughan (Bill), Thomasville, GA, John Miles (Thea), Rockville, MD, Mary Schuh (Michael), Glen Ellen, CA, Charlotte Parsons, Rome, GA, David Gearin (Jean), Arlington, VA, Steve Diffley (Kitty), Marietta, GA, Jim Diffley (Leah), Mt. Pleasant, SC, Becky Bailey (Terry), Winder, GA

Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10am at St Raphael Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33704.  Inurnment to follow services at Memorial Park. 

If you would like to celebrate Kathi’s passion in life, donating to PetPal Animal Shelter (PetPalAnimalShelter.com) instead of flowers would make her happiest.