Katherine (“Kathy”) Ruth Maitland passed away October 10th, 2025, in Plano, Texas, where she had lived for the past two and a half years. She was 72 years old. Kathy is survived by her two stepdaughters, Meredith McGhan and Pegeen McGhan, and her two older brothers, James and John Maitland. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Barry McGhan, who passed in February 2022. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Kathleen McGhan Watchorn; two brothers-in-law, Harlan McGhan and Michael McGhan; two grandsons, Ronan and Declan, that she shared with Barry, and many nieces and nephews. Barry and Kathy were inseparable and shared a beautiful life together in Flint, Fenton, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2023, Kathy relocated to Texas to be near her brother in Plano. Moving was a heartfelt but difficult decision as she deeply missed her many friends and family in Michigan. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to Reverend Fred and Lois Maitland, who were missionaries there for 20 years, Kathy’s early years were filled with a love for Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language. She was home-schooled through junior high and attended the American School in Rio until the 11th grade. For her senior year, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, graduating from Pioneer Senior High School. She later attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, followed by a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. Kathy was a teacher in various school districts, including Bay City, Flint and, most recently, in Ann Arbor. She specialized in English as a Second Language (ESL) and authored various books in this area. She had a passion for teaching and helping others and was devoted to her students. It was during her time as a kindergarten teacher at Washington School in Flint that she met Barry. They quickly became inseparable and married two years later. They moved to Fenton to live on the lake after Barry retired. Kathy was a member of the Fenton United Methodist Church where she cultivated many friendships. Her faith and love for the Methodist church were central to her life. In retirement, she and her husband volunteered with the Fenton Area Lions Club, participating in many charitable events. Kathy was proud of her Brazilian heritage and delighted in speaking Portuguese whenever she could. She also treasured her home on Lake Fenton where so many joyful memories were made. She and Barry were devoted dog parents to three Bichon Frise dogs. First Rudy, then Teddy and Louie, all of whom lived the best lives that dogs could dream of. Kathy enjoyed cooking Brazilian dishes such as feijoada and talking about the differences between Brazilian and American culture. Kathy was a sensitive soul, thoughtful in every way, and engaged with the world around her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but the memory of her love and kindness will live on in all who knew her. Please consider donating to the American Parkinson Disease Association in memory of Kathy. A memorial service will be held at the Fenton United Methodist Church, 119 S. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430, on April 25th, 2026, at 11AM.