Katherine M. "Kate" Smart's Obituary
On July 11, 2021, the world lost the brilliant presence of Katherine Marie (Backstrom) Smart. She passed at the far too early age of 44 in Muskegon, Michigan. She was compassionate, kind, determined, empathetic, a warrior, and an always loyal friend. Kate was a giving soul who prioritized the needs of everyone around her. The world will not be the same without her. Kate was born on Feb. 27, 1977, in Muskegon, MI, to Cindy and Art Backstrom Jr. She grew up in the Bluffton neighborhood, a true beach kid, and spent her summers playing beach volleyball on the courts at Pere Marquette Beach, where she met many lifelong friends. After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1995, she attended Central Michigan University, eventually graduating from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Sports Medicine. Kate always had a passion for sports and was an avid Detroit Red Wings and Green Bay Packers fan (much to the chagrin of her brothers). In 2007, she escaped the harsh winters of Michigan and relocated to Arizona, where she met her true love, Ken. She would say Ken was truly “her person” and “her rock,” taking great care of her throughout their marriage and into her last days. Kate and Ken married on Aug. 20, 2011, on the Muskegon Channel among family and friends, of which Kate never had a shortage. Kate was a fierce friend, collecting new lifelong friends wherever she went. Her friendships spanned countries and states, and she was quick to strike up a conversation with a stranger, always welcoming you with her beautiful smile and a joyful laugh. While Kate was always giving to others, she was also good at setting boundaries while still living life openly and transparently. Kate built you up in every conversation, making you feel like you could take on the world, even if you didn’t think so. That strength is a source of inspiration for those who grieve her now. She was the most loyal wife, daughter, sister, and friend you could have ever wanted. All who knew her, loved her. Unequivocally. Kate’s friendships also extended to her many four-legged friends she had over the years. She never met a dog that didn’t instantly spark a smile on her face. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Smart; her parents, Cynthia (Buikema) and Arthur W. Backstrom, Jr.; step-children Rachel, Brian and Daniel Smart; siblings Josef (Stacey) Backstrom, Ryan (Miranda) Backstrom, Robert (Tonya) Backstrom, and Annah (Joel) Aschbrenner; a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her beloved doggie, Boomer. She was cherished Aunt Kate to Aiden, Kingsley and Liam Backstrom, Monroe Lewis, Carrigan Conaway, and Jakob and Isak Backstrom, with another niece or nephew on the way. Being an aunt was the joy of her life, and she was unrivaled. Visitation with the family will be held from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM Friday, July 16, 2021, at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 759-8565. A celebration of Kate’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the same location. Donations can be made in Kate’s name to Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA, aawl.org/donate, 25 N. 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, or the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, nccc-online.org. Kate would also urge all women to stay up to date with their annual screenings. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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