MIDDLEBURY, Vt. — Kathy Ann Poppe (née Peterson), died unexpectedly on Aug. 8, 2021, in Middlebury, Vt., at the age of 72. Born the first child of Charles and Pauline Peterson (née Cornelius) in Fairmont, Minn. on Feb. 23, 1949, Kathy grew up with childhood loves of horse riding, dance, gymnastics, and music. At Fairmont High School, she played the flute in the band. There, she met her high school sweetheart, David. After their wedding in 1969, they would be married for some 51 years. Kathy graduated with a degree in biology from Mankato State University. Upon graduating from college, along with working as a medical technician, Kathy became an Army wife with family postings in Germany (twice), Minnesota, and Colorado. After a period as world travelers, the Poppe’s and their four children settled in Colorado Springs. There, Kathy returned to take college classes so she could embark on her second career as an actuary, which would later result in the family moving to San Antonio, Texas. Her children will forever marvel at her grueling self-study for actuarial exams, as well as her willingness to work two jobs to provide opportunities to better themselves. A woman of enormous determination, boundless energy, and varied interests, Kathy was extremely independent, doing whatever she did with everything she had. In local charity work, she acted upon her belief in the strength of women. She was a believer in science, a voracious reader, and an avid gardener. Her love and care for others extended to the natural world. A true animal lover throughout her life, with more pets than can counted, Kathy discovered her passion in life in the early 2000s, training and competing with Giant Schnauzers, both in the US and Germany. Kathy and her beloved dogs Emmi, Gus, Houston, and Austin won multiple titles. She was an integral member of the Schutzhund Club of San Antonio and the Working Riesenschnauzer Federation. Kathy is survived by her husband, David; her children Amy, Cory, Nicolas, and Amanda; 11 beloved grandchildren; younger sisters, Donica, Kerry, and Marcy; cousins, nieces and nephews and friends across the world. She was preceded in death by her father and mother. This weekend, her ashes will be interred in a private memorial at Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont.