Kathy Kaufman-Carlson was born on May 26, 1952 in Minneapolis to parents Robert and Lucille Kaufman, and passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024 with family by her side. She is survived by her loving husband, John Carlson, their son Michael Carlson and his partner Ryan Delperdang; step-daughter Larissa Carlson Viana and her husband Miguel Viana and step-granddaughter Arminda; her brother, James Kaufman and wife Natalie.

Kathy met the love of her life John Carlson as coworkers at HCMC and married in 1981. They welcomed their son, Michael, into the world in 1984, creating a loving family that was Kathy's proudest accomplishment. She was a devoted wife and mother, spreading her warmth and care to her close-knit family.

Kathy spent most of her professional life at the Hennepin County Medical Center, primarily as a patient coordinator for the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center until her retirement in 2020. Her kindness and dedication made her a valued colleague and friend.

A woman of many passions, Kathy adored the written word, sharing her love for books, especially those by Sue Grafton. Music was another one of Kathy's passions, and her favorite artist was Neil Diamond. She had a soft spot for animals, especially cats, and enjoyed spending time with her beloved cats and supporting local cat rescues. She loved having dinners with her family and summer trips up north to the lakes.

Her favorite color was orange, which reflected her warm and cheerful demeanor. Always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear, Kathy will be remembered fondly for her loving heart, and kind spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

A funeral service in memory of Kathy will be held on October 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Gill Brothers Funeral Home at 9947 Lyndale Ave S, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Her family invites everyone who knew Kathy to celebrate her life and reminisce about the beautiful moments they shared with her. We encourage those attending to wear fall colors to honor her favorite season and color.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting her favorite cat rescue Furball Farm in Faribault Minnesota, donation options are available at https://furballfarmcatsanctuary.com