Kathi started life in Fayetteville, Arkansas and ended it in Houston, Texas. But oh, the places she went in between. Kathi traveled well, loved often, laughed joyously. She married the love of her life, gave life to two beautiful boys (now men), and gave light to any room she entered.

Her radiance and sincerity drew people to her - and strong relationships defined her life.

Kathi was firstborn child to Mary and Jerry Bylander. She was oldest, and (most would agree) the best, of five siblings. She helped, taught, fought with, loved and bossed them all.

From first grade on, she was in the Girl Scouts, and was lifelong friends with fellow troop members. A member of Highland Park Methodist Church, but more spiritual than religious, Kathi embraced people from all faiths.

At JJ Pearce High School, Kathi befriended a couple of amazing gals - who were later joined by 3 more from Shangri-La at UT Austin in the early 70s. This marked the beginning of the Sister Friends. They met individually, but as usual, Kathi made each gal feel like a best friend. The Sister Friends got together every 5 years, and this was their year for another reunion.

Soon after college, Kathi was "hit with the smitten stick" when she met Jim Jouganatos. Her marriage into a family of beautiful, loving Greeks enriched her life immeasurably. Kathi and Jimmy lived out loud together - with friends, family, Elvis cruises, and the inimitable TJ and Alex.

As they started their life together, relationships with their neighbors deepened into lifelong friendships and for many years she was a Scout Mother.

Kathi had a 28-year career working at a company called first Versys, then Webmd - then Emdeon, Sage, Vitera Heallthcare, and Greenway. So much change - but a constant thread through the years was true friends who transitioned with her to all the different incarnations of the company. Clients used words like patient, calming affect, knowledge, and kindness to describe her.

As for Bunco, her prowess was legendary. Kathi's ability to grab the dice no matter the obstacle (arms, legs, faces) was amazing. It's said that she's rolling sixes as we speak.

The woman loved her travel. She collected experiences - and lifelong friends along the way. Her first big trip was to Germany the day after high school graduation. Over time, she went to Alaska, Ireland, New York, New Orleans, Chicago - and several Elvis cruises with Jimmy and friends. She took Alex to Scotland for a Harry Potter tour and she had big dreams of going on a Galapagos or river cruise when she got well.

The night after Kathi left us, there was a beautiful blue and orange sunset followed by a big full moon - as the heavens welcomed Kathi and she was reunited with Jimmy.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/147338389/mary-katherine-jouganatos