A joyful soul continued its eternal journey on August 21st, 2024, with the passing of Katy Livingston in Birmingham, Alabama. She was born October 17, 1970, in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late, Lowell Henry “Hank” Livingston and Linda (Hogenson) Livingston.
Katy arrived in this life with an unprecedented challenge, a challenge that could have taken her away before she had a chance to demonstrate her indomitable spirit. Diagnosed with an extremely rare, life-threatening condition known as MSUD, she showed the world what she was made of by first being the adored baby with the perpetual smile to becoming a child willing to try whatever came her way. Despite her disabilities, she wanted to do what her siblings and friends were doing and was always amid their games and activities.
After Katy graduated from Brewer High School, she worked and volunteered in Decatur. But independence was a priority, so she applied and was accepted into AmeriCorps affiliated with Civitan International in Birmingham. She remained in Birmingham, and received support for a life on her own at Triumph Services Inc. She worked at McAlister’s Deli, volunteered at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and McWane Science Center, and was a staunch UAB Blazer fan. An affiliate member since 2005 of South Highland Presbyterian Church, Katy was involved in young adult fellowship and outreach to The Horizons School. She shared the ups and downs of life with her treasured, long-time friend, Ben Gaultney. UAB Hospital’s Genetics team were a constant presence in Katy’s life. Because of her generally happy countenance, the doctors, nurses and specialists that worked with her over the decades got to know and understand this unique patient and became a second family for her.
For Katy, family was everything. Before cellphones with embedded “contacts,” she memorized the telephone numbers of dozens of friends and family members. She faithfully stayed in touch with grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and acquaintances and the medical professionals in her life.
Katy is survived by her mother, Linda, brothers Andy Livingston and Lowell Livingston, and sister Tammy DeLeon. She was precious to her aunt, Phyllis Mumaw and uncle, Gary Hogenson, as well as nieces, Rachel Livingston, and Sophia DeLeon and nephew, Robert Livingston. In addition, Katy will be missed by a whole host of family members and friends. She was reunited with her dear father, Hank, and adored grandparents, Lowell and Jean Livingston, and Glenn and Ruth Hogenson, who had gone ahead to prepare the way for their Katy.
Visitation with the family will be at 10:30am 2nd floor South Highland Presbyterian Church (parking in rear). Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be at 11:30 SHPC Chapel, ground floor on Highland Avenue (drop off) both events 9/17/24.
Donations may be made to: Triumph Services, Inc. 2301 Arlington Ave. S Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35205 or MSUD Family Support Group, Dave Bulcher, Treasurer, 958 Medinah Terrace Columbus, OH 43235.
