Katherine Hackey

Kathy Hackey, age 59, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, May 19th, 2021. She passed away with family by her side in Billings, Montana. We find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and in heaven with Jesus. Kathy was born in Mesa, AZ on December 15th, 1961 to Jim Peters and Judy Adams. She graduated from Seguin High School in Seguin, Texas. Kathy was a beautiful person inside and out; she was very thoughtful, charismatic, and left an impression on people wherever she went. She did a lot of modeling as a young adult and was crowned Miss Seguin at the age of 20. In 1983 she moved to Billings, MT to be closer to her Father (Jim) and Step-Mother (Pat). In the following years, she had three children, Heather, Darren, and RaeAnn. They were her pride and joy. When her children were young, Kathy became a successful licensed real estate agent in the Billings community. She was personable, relatable, skilled in the profession, and worked hard on her client's behalf. She loved working in real estate, it brought her joy and many accomplishments. Many of the characteristics that made her a good real estate agent were also some of her most admirable traits as a mother, sister, daughter, friend, and neighbor. She loved people well and had a natural ability to connect deeply with others. She never missed an opportunity to drop a thoughtful card in the mailbox and made sure every card was hand written, dated, and embellished with a sticker or two. She loved to personally drop off flowers for birthdays and Mother's Day. She always wanted her kids and friends to know they were deeply loved by her. Kathy was not a stranger to challenges in life, Cancer just simply presented a new one. And while fighting Cancer was not an easy fight, she did it as she always does, with strength and resilience. She made the most of her final year and spent her time doing the things she loved most. She began attending bible study and grew in her faith, she seized every opportunity to enjoy nature whether it was planting flowers or taking a scenic drive through Beartooth Pass. She always had a deep admiration for God's creation-both plants and animals. Kathy spent much time playing and walking her dogs and chatting with her sweet bird, Chester. Her pets were family. Although all those moments were special to Kathy, spending time with her children and grandchildren were at the top of her list this past year. She would drive across town just to say hello or to babysit for a few hours. Of course, she would never arrive empty handed. She loved to see the grandkids' faces light up when she opened bubbles, candy, or handed them a new stuffed animal. Kathy had a desire to create special memories her last year and did just that. Decorating Christmas cookies, sharing meals, hosting sleepovers, and planting flowers with grandchildren were some of her most cherished memories. Being a grandma brought her joy; even on the days where she struggled with aches and pains from chemotherapy or the cancer itself, she would be on her hands and knees roaring like a lion or growling like a tiger without a complaint in sight. Being a grandma brought out the very best in her. She was a beautiful person: a cherished mother, loving grandma, thoughtful friend, and a beloved daughter of God. She will be deeply missed by all her friends and family. Kathy is survived by her children, Heather (Travis), Darren (Lea), and RaeAnn (Brian). Grandchildren, Ethan, Noah, Hudson, Emersyn, Avett, Callan, Lennon, and Charlie. Mother, Judy Adams. Siblings, Jim Peters (Ruth), Kim Peters (Ella), Chris Adams, (Krista), Scott Adams, BJay Roberts (Leslie), Todd Roberts (Debbie), Wendy Roberts and Tim Roberts. She is preceded in death by her Step-mother Pat Peters; Father Jim Peters and brother, Scott Peters. A memorial service will be held with close family and friends to honor Kathy at Faith Chapel on June 30th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider supporting pancreatic cancer patients in her honor through her son Darren's Project Purple Chicago Marathon fundraiser. Donations can be made at https://donate.projectpurple.org/darrenhackey and Darren will complete the marathon in Kathy's honor on October 10th, 2021.