Kathleen Wise

Kathleen (Kathy) Eleanor Wise (nee Whitney), age 77, of Longwood, Florida, passed away on April 8, 2026, with her daughter at her bedside, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Kathy was born in Stockbridge, Michigan on August 1, 1948, and was raised by her adoptive parents, Orlie and Catherine Whitney. In mid-life, she met her birth mother, Lois Walters, and her three half-brothers, Marvin, Jeff, and John. She also met her birth father, Earl Elswick.

Kathy grew up on a small farm where she developed a special love for animals. She was an active and social child and enjoyed taking dance classes and music lessons. In high school, she was involved in many activities including cheerleading, chorus, band, and majorette.

After graduating high school, Kathy began working at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, MI with her father. She famously saw a handsome orderly, named Tom, entering an elevator and took it upon herself to run over his foot with a cart to start a conversation. That conversation continued for the next 56 years through marriage, children, and grandchildren. Kathy and Tom were married in 1969 and moved to Ann Arbor, MI, Gaithersburg, MD, Boston, MA and finally settled in Longwood, FL in 1980.

Kathy was incredibly outgoing and friendly and seemed to make fast friends at every store, restaurant, and shop she visited. She helped anyone that needed it. Her generosity was unending and she would routinely help anyone that found themselves in a pinch. She taught her children the meaning of charity, helping countless individuals, and organizations including food pantries, churches, and homeless shelters. Over the years Kathy loved playing tennis and working out. She especially loved painting and had a wonderful group of friends that shared the same passion.

Kathy always wanted to be a wife and mother, and her family was her primary focus. She was a loving and fiercely protective mother. Her love was unconditional, constant, and selfless. She would have done anything for her family. Kathy showed that same special love to her grandchildren, who brought new life to her after they were born. She leaves behind a legacy of deep love and endless generosity.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Wise, her adoptive parents, Orlie and Catherine Whitney, and her birth parents, Lois Walters and Earl Elswick. She is survived by her daughter Emily (Rick) Johnson, her grandsons Noah Johnson and Jake Johnson, and her son Jeremy Wise. Kathy will be deeply missed by her family and many more.