It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen Marie Longhini, 55, of Bessemer, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Kathy was born on September 14, 1970, at Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield to Edwin "Fast Eddie" and Frances "Fran" (Galamba) Laurin. She spent her childhood growing up in Ramsay with her siblings Steve (Missy) Laurin, Julie (Joe) Pairolero, and Michael (Toni) Laurin. Kathy was surrounded by love, laughter, and a close-knit community. Those years were filled with countless memories and stories her family continues to cherish and reminisce about today. It was also during this time that Kathy formed strong, meaningful friendships that grew into lifelong bonds she treasured throughout her life.

Kathy graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer with the Class of 1988. Kathy worked as a teacher's aide before establishing her own cleaning service. She took great pride in her work and was known for her meticulous attention to detail. More importantly, she genuinely cared for those she served, often volunteering her time to help elderly clients or simply staying to visit and brighten their day.

In 1992, Kathy married Chad Longhini, who would remain her lifelong friend and devoted partner in raising their children. Though their marriage later ended, Kathy and Chad continued to share a lasting bond rooted in their love for their children, always showing up for their kids and supporting one another and each other’s families.

Kathy will be missed deeply by her daughter, Samantha (Derek) Downey of Stratford, Ontario, and her son Dalton Longhini of Bessemer. As a mother, Kathy went above and beyond to make every holiday and special occasion memorable, always putting her children first and creating a home filled with love, encouragement, and support. She never missed an opportunity to tell Samantha and Dalton how proud she was of them and how deeply she loved them, and she was always the first person they wanted to call with both happy news and hard moments. Kathy’s favorite activity during the past few weeks was going fishing with Dalton.

She was a very proud grandmother, and Smith and Audra affectionately knew her as Gamma ‘ghini. Although they lived far away, she stayed closely connected with them through video calls and treasured every moment they were able to spend together. Smith and Audra were blessed to share this past Fourth of July with their Gamma ‘ghini, making memories through the special traditions she loved and that her family will lovingly carry on in her memory. Kathy loved visiting her grandchildren in Canada, and the Downey family will miss her dearly.

Kathy was also a second mom to many of her children’s friends, always opening her home and her heart to anyone who needed a place to feel welcomed and safe. She was one of those rare people who made every child feel seen, loved, and cared for, and she was always there with an open door, a listening ear, and comforting words when they needed them most.

Family was very important to Kathy, and she loved watching her nephews and nieces grow up over the years and live beautiful lives of their own. Among those she loved dearly were her nieces and nephews: Andrew, Dylan, Josh, Anna, Ally, Anthony, Tessa, Reese, and Riley, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is survived by her great-nephews and a soon-to-be great-niece, as well as her former brother-in-law, Michael (Lori) Longhini, with whom she enjoyed staying connected through regular phone calls.

A dedicated member of her community, Kathy enjoyed volunteering during Ramsay's Fourth of July festivities and was always willing to lend a hand at her children's school events. She had a creative spirit and found joy in writing poetry and expressing herself through art. Kathy will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the lasting friendships she cultivated throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ed Laurin, whom she missed dearly, her niece, Ashley Laurin, and her second mother, Jackie Longhini. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with her father once again.

Honoring Kathy's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3 p.m., with Father Christian Flagstadt officiating, at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood. A celebration of Kathy's life will follow at Bluff Valley Park in Bessemer. Family and friends are invited to come as they are or wear bright colors in honor of the vibrant life Kathy lived.