Kathleen Brinkman, 85, passed away on August 21, 2026, after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on February 25, 1941, in Massillon, Ohio. Kathy attended the University of Cincinnati, where she earned a master’s degree in nursing. This is also where she met Ron on what became the best blind date ever. They married in August 1962.
She worked as a nurse for many years in private practice in Hyde Park, in different capacities in Clermont County and for Children’s Hospital as an early intervention service coordinator, helping low-income families receive healthcare funding and services.
Kathy truly celebrated life every day. A voracious reader and cook, she also enjoyed gardening in her abundant backyard garden, hiking and attending classes at the Cincinnati Nature Center.
Kathy and her best friend opened and operated Awakenings, a holistic center on an old farm in Melbourne, KY. She made Brinkman’s Bug Juice there, a citronella and lavender based insect repellent and yes, it really worked.
Kathy was also a member of the women’s writers’ group at The Grail in Loveland. She would spend occasional weekends there.
She and Ron traveled a great deal to regional and New England B&Bs, had numerous camping trips with her family and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Ron; her sons, Jeff and Dan; her daughter-in-law, Amy; and her grandchildren, Matt and Abby. She will be deeply missed. Donations in her name would be welcome at The Grail in Loveland and The Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford. A private service will be held to celebrate Kathy’s life.