Kathryn Dete Nook- lovingly known as “Pip” to her siblings, “Aunt Kate” to her nieces and nephews, “Kathy” to her friends, and “Nan” to her grandchildren- entered eternal life on February 2, 2026, at the age of 71. She was born on February 17, 1954, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and spent her younger years in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

 

In 1975, Kathy moved to Colorado with her sister Rita and her best friend Joanie. Through mutual friends Locke and Joe Craven, she met the love of her life, Patrick and they married on April 25,1987. Soon after they moved to Parker and welcomed their two children, Spencer Patrick (1989) and Katelyn Noel (1990) and remained in the same home for the rest of their lives, building a place full of love and laughter.

 

Kathy was a bright and joyful presence whose kindness, humor, and warmth touched everyone she met. Her laugh could light up a room, and her smile made people feel seen and important. Kathy was funny and silly in the best ways, always able to find humor even in heavy moments. She never made her children feel less than or alone and was, in every sense, the best mom, always putting her children first.

 

A caretaker through and through, Kathy was always there for her children, husband, family and friends and anyone who needed her. She taught her children to live like Jesus through a servant-hearted life, often encouraging random acts of kindness and giving back to others. She exemplified what it meant to be a kind, present, and loving mother and passed those values on to her son, daughter and grandchildren. Kathy was extremely generous, always putting others first and leaving every place better than she found it. 

 

She was Katelyn’s faithful horse show companion, making sure there was never a hair out of place and even learning to sew so she could make riding outfits. Kathy delighted in listening to Spencer play piano and guitar and loved to sing. Her love language was giving thoughtful gifts and surrounding others with comfort, especially in times of need. Kathy was also extremely business-savvy and faithfully ran the administrative side of her and her husband’s architectural firm, PWN Architects and Planners, while raising her children at home.

 

Kathy loved all animals, especially horses and dogs. She delighted in life’s small joys—Peeps, black jellybeans, black licorice, and Thin Mints. Kathy loved sharing stories about and pictures of her children and grandchildren and called her daughter every day just to say hello. Kathy was a source of light and comfort to everyone around her.

 

Kathy is survived by her daughter Katelyn (Landon) Desautels; her cherished grandchildren, Bristol and Raife; her brother George Dete, preceded in death by his wife, Liz; her sisters Mary Werner, Ellen (Allen) Shank, and Rita (Steve) Widmann; and many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

 

Kathy is reunited in heaven with the love of her life, Patrick; her beloved son Spencer, her brother Leo Dete, survived by his wife Sally, her sister Anne (John) Kostro, and her parents Kathleen and Leo Dete.

 

Kathy lived out the words of Matthew 5:14, 16:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

 

Her light shone brightly in this world and will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know and love her.

 

Please follow the link below to live stream Kathryn Nook's service on February 13th at 11am MST. 

Kathryn Nook Service

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Harmony Equine Center in honor of Kathy’s love for horses:  https://donate.humanecolorado.org/campaign/708782/donate