Many have already read the sad news, but posting here for completeness. We are in mourning as our beloved Kathy is irreplaceable:
It is with great and utter sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt, daughter, friend, mother figure, and so much more.
Dr. Kathy Garber died last night in Los Angeles in the presence of her lifelong companion Leah. She died appropriately so in the City of Angels, because Kathy was and will forever be an angel.
Born in 1962, Kathy was a force in this world throughout her life. Her absence will leave a gaping hole that no one can ever fill.
After high school, she became a medical assistant and then an ultrasound tech. She worked many years at Providence Hospital in Sandusky and for Dr Agrawal, cardiology. She furthered her education at the University of Toledo and became a Registered Nurse. She worked at Mercy St Vincent in the cardiac ICU and step down units. But she had a different calling. She continued her education and obtained a Bachelor's degree from Excelsior College, a Master's degree from Saybrook University, and her Doctorate specializing in addiction from the Breining Institute. Kathy started the Center of Solutions, LLC online, a counseling service. Her business started in 2002 and was truly ground breaking and one of the first in history. She garnered support for court ordered anger management, drug and alcohol addiction, and dozens of other mental health afflictions. She had the support of probations departments across the country and landed national contracts from such corporations as CSX railroad, large emergency physician staffing agencies, and dozens more. Kathy was also affiliated with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, the California and Ohio Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the National Association of Substance Abuse Professionals. She wrote several books including "Stop Anger, Be Happy" which has helped thousands across the world deal with anger issues. She also specialized in teen addiction, emotional trauma, and family trouble.
Still, Kathy knew she had more to give. She became therapist of record for such television shows like Dr. Phil, The List, and The Jeremy Kyle Show. She would receive prolific referrals from these well-known names and assisted many in dealing with their issues.
Kathy and her friend Leah had a very successful tri-coastal real estate business and hobby. Together, they bought, sold, and flipped homes from Sandusky and Toledo, Ohio, to the southern tip of Florida, and on to southern California, mostly the Los Angeles, Burbank, Santa Clarita, and Santa Barbara areas.
But Kathy was more than a counselor or real estate tycoon. She was the best sister I could have ever hoped for. On good days and on the worst days, I called Kathy. She had a wisdom and a strength second to none. She was a mentor to me and so many others. To know Kathy was a gift from God. She had an edge, tough as nails, didn't take any crap, but was as soft and loving as an angel. She dedicated countless hours and countless dollars caring for our mom so she could live her life out at home and not in a nursing home. The love she showed me and the rest of the family is astounding and will never be replicated. Her drive for perfection and "you can be anything if you work hard enough" attitude is something we can all learn from.
Our family is in mourning. Please respect our privacy at this time. We ask you do not call or stop to visit with our mom at this time. In due time, we will have a private graveside memorial for family only. Kathy would not want this advertised or any hoopla made over her. That's who she was. A force unlike the world has ever seen, but insanely humble and private. Thank you for understanding.
We know Kathy is in Heaven with Pops, our grandma, and all the other family members who have gone to their reward. In her last moments, she told me she would be waiting for us when we made our way to Heaven. She also said she would be our guardian angel. But she already was.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
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