Kathryn K Dailey

Kathryn Dailey, beloved partner, daughter, sister and friend, died peacefully at home after a two year battle with mesothelioma. A tireless advocate for quality of life for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, Kathryn's life was dedicated to serving others—culminating in nearly 20 years of leadership for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Kathryn was born in North Fairfield, Ohio, the daughter of the late Harold (Bud) and JoAnne Keiser. She graduated from Hiram College with a degree in Psychology, and went on to complete a Masters degree in Vocational Education from Kent State University, and a Masters in Hospital Administration from the University of Minnesota. Possessed of an insatiable thirst for learning, Kathryn also studied and became a certified mediator, and an emergency medical technician. She had completed two years of a three year law degree when she was diagnosed with cancer. Kathryn began her career in Alcada, New Mexico helping adult men with developmental disabilities, before moving to Greeley, where she served as Associate Director of the Weld County Mental Health Center until 1989. Kathryn joined the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Denver, in 1990, where she developed and implemented the first programs and services for the Colorado Chapter. She was soon recognized as an innovative nationwide leader in program delivery. Recruited to lead national initiatives in program and services for the Society in 1995, Kathryn became one of the MS Society's most respected employees. In her years as Vice President of Client Programs, Kathryn designed and launched initiatives that changed the lives of people with MS. Her list of accomplishments include setting standards for accessibility for the Society, creating programs for people newly diagnosed, designing a system of outcome measurement, and building the Society's national call center. Kathryn was awarded the Society's prestigious Core Value Award in 2006—recognized for her unwavering commitment to integrity. Kathryn embraced life and all it offers. She had a variety of hobbies, with a keen interest in technology, reading, and outdoor activities. She enjoyed tennis and biking—participating with her partner Susan in 11 MS Bike events to raise funds for the cause she embraced---and was training for another ride at the time of her diagnosis. She and Susan enjoyed their annual summer trip to Maine where they sailed, spent quality time together relaxing and reading by the harbor and were well-known for their daily trips to the Young's Lobster Pound. Kathryn is survived by her partner of 19 years, Susan Massey, Susan's son Luke Massey and wife Andrea, and baby Chase and, daughter Rachael and husband Geoff Nuwash and baby Reece --- all who brought joy and comfort in the most difficult times of her illness through their love and support. Kathryn also leaves loving mother, JoAnne Keiser, brother Darryl Childs Keiser and wife Gail, and nephew Grey Childs Keiser. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Horan & McConaty Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the National MS Society Kathryn Dailey Scholarship Tribute Fund, details to be found at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/kathryn.dailey or to Namaste Hospice, 1633 Fillmore Street #300, Denver, CO 80206. Kathryn touched the lives of so many, and a memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver. 303-757-1238. A reception will follow the memorial service where you will have an opportunity to share memories and stories about Kathryn. Please watch the MS Society tribute site for details. Kathryn received excellent medical and hospice care from Namaste Hospice and Porter Cancer Care Center. Kathryn and Susan were especially grateful for the wonderful care and attention they received from Drs. Tambra Woods and Tom Kenney. Kathryn's philosophy of life is remembered every day at the information center she founded--in a quote that hangs on the wall, ""People do not care how much we know, until they know how much we care.""