Kathleen McDonald Schorin passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025 at the University of Michigan Hospital. Growing up in Livonia, Michigan, she attended Bentley High School and then Michigan State University, where she was an editorial writer for the State News and earned a BA in Advertising.
After college, Kathleen worked as an editor, group editor, and ultimately corporate trainer for Entertainment Publications in Troy, Michigan. She met her husband Gerry in 1985 and they spent time traveling in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean, and to their shared passion, Ireland. Following the birth of her daughter, she and her family moved to Burlington, Vermont, where her son was born, and later Saratoga Springs, New York – towns where she was heavily involved in her children’s schools and where she perfected her consummate skills as a knitter, crocheter, craftswoman, and cook.
In 2006, the Schorin family moved back to Michigan, settling in the Ann Arbor area, where Kathleen became heavily involved in supporting her children’s athletic teams, working part-time for Epic Races, and adding to her previous volunteerism with the American Cancer Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oakland County to now include The Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House and Ronald McDonald House (RMH). Kathleen’s volunteer role at RMH eventually turned into a part-time position as Family Services Manager, where she managed the RMH facility located in Mott Children’s Hospital until shortly before her death.
Kathleen was extremely dedicated to her work and deeply believed in the value of compassionate communication, service, and a good meal. In her later years, she loved planning trips, including cruises and land travel in Britain and Ireland, and expanding her already encyclopedic knowledge of American history and British royal history. She loved the Green Mountains, craft fairs, audiobooks, knitting, and Celtic rock, but most of all her family. Her legacy will endure through the families and organizations she supported, the hundreds of knitted items she gifted, her garden, and the cherished memories of her family and friends.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Gerald Schorin; her children Claire Schorin and Daniel Schorin; mother Judy McDonald; brother Tom (Meg) McDonald; sister Joan (Willy) Biberstein; aunt Kathie Schlaff; multiple cousins, nephews, and a niece; and Butternut, a mini golden doodle who gave her great joy.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 1st, 2 pm, at the Polo Fields Clubhouse, off W. Liberty Road in Scio Township. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor or Gift of Life Michigan.
You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a message for Kathleen's family. Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your message.