Kevin was born on October 18, 1939. She was raised the youngest of five sisters in Valley Falls, Rhode Island by Mary Agnes (Brady) and Dr. Charles Eli LaSalle, as their eldest, a son, had preceded all in death. Kevie was lovingly spoiled at home and had vivid memories of her early childhood, such as: young Justin born on her second birthday and stealing the show; the radio announcement of WW2 with subsequent collecting of paper and tin; telling neighbors her name was "Kevin 18 John Street" as she held places in ration lines, considering herself a 4 year old war profiteer!; and the passing of her dear daddy at only age 6. Dr. LaSalle was the local dentist and often took payment in the form of trade, so money was often tight after his death. But the LaSalle ladies always put on their best! Kevin and Mother often traveled to spend time with Katey & Bill and the kids (Kristin, William and Susie). There were many good times, and lots of letters as the Battles family moved across country, finally settling in Los Angeles. Growing up in RI at the LaSalle twin-style home, Mother, Kevin, sister Mary and Justin lived in one half and the mirror side had more family, including for a few years, sister Francis and Bill Theroux with Lynn and Paul, later to be born Gail and Lisa. Sister Dot and Jack Graham moved down to Alabama and had Dorie. To this day there is a multi-generational LaSalle family reunion every few years that Kevie was always pleased and proud to be a part of, keeping us all together.

George W. Kershaw entered her life at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, 1959 with a big surprise Kiss, that nearly caused a riot!!! As neither's date was very pleased about it, and there had to be a quick exit before fisticuffs broke out! Some time later Kevin agreed to go out with him and remembered telling her Mother after their first real date, she thought she might just marry him! He was handsome, dapper and generous (offered to buy her anything she wanted to drink [not just the usual nickle beer] and 2 packs of Marlboro's!) also quite chivalrous as there was snow on the ground and she had brand new suede shoes on, so he just picked her up and carried her into the restaurant :) but, somehow she couldn't quite remember his last name, it was something like coleslaw!

They were married on August 6, 1960, outside Detroit, above a drugstore where two 'soda jerks' acted as their witnesses for the justice of the peace. George had previously graduated from Bryant College in RI, taking a job working for Fram Automotive and had been sent to Michigan to begin work. Meanwhile, Kevin was staying that summer in LA and working for the Beverly Wilshire Hotel before planning to get married. They started their life together in a small apartment scrimping and saving in Royal Oak, MI. Two years later, baby Jennifer came along, then a transfer to Dayton, Ohio where both Matthew and Sarah were born. Another move to Columbus, OH, where they became diehard OSU Buckeye fans! Then in 1973, George got a big promotion and the family moved to Anaheim, Ca, where they would put down roots in the home they shared for 50 years;) Kevin was thrilled to be so near family and life was good.

As their family grew up, Kev taught all three kids how to do their own laundry on their respective 13th birthdays; drive a stick shift car; and made sure you could cook a full turkey dinner before leaving the house; she considered all of these essential life skills! Jenny married Mark Astrella, and gave them grandchildren; Joshua and Megan. Who have now grown a 4th generation, Josh and Lizzy have Wylde and Shenandoah (moving to Naples, Italy as the army saw fit to send Major Astrella to NATO), while Megan is in Idaho working and being a full time mom to young son Easton, teaching him many of the lessons taught to her by Grandma and Pah. Matt is the Managing Partner of Network Partners Insurance Services, LLC. He moved to Florida, and shortly thereafter fell in love with Carol:), they have recently married and are now living very happily in New Port Richey near her kids, & grans! Kevin was able to watch their beach wedding ceremony via FaceTime! Sarah married Dan Patnode in 2005 and they are in Eugene, Oregon, calling to sing and support when life got very tough.

After George had a major stroke at only 57, Kevin took care of his recovery and many other aspects of daily life. She was strong, intelligent, caring and a major force to be reckoned with at times. George had a position with NGK, and for a time they lived in a "perfect little house" on the lake, she loved it there. And she began a weekly breakfast at Polly's Pies where she could share a slice of her favorite rhubarb pie!

Kevin and George always made good friends, terrific neighbors, they joined clubs such as the Worthington, Ohio JCs, Canyon High School Football boosters, and usually became movers and shakers of the organizations they joined. Kevin supported their politics, and believed everyone should vote! There was an open door policy for family and friends to come and stay - some for years!, becoming family;) She and George were long standing members of the Vintage MG car club, hosting rally's and events, traveling to GoF's, movie mavens, and making dear, dear friends, all considered family.

Kevin always said she was lucky to have lived the life the she did, she loved deeply and was blessed by those who loved her. She passed away on May 25, 2024 still holding her husband's hand. She was diagnosed many years ago with Parkinson's Lewy Body dementia. Because of declining health, she and George were living at Mark & Jenny's home in Colorado, attended by a few wonderful caregivers and Hospice.

Kevin will be missed by many, each with their own memories of her and how she touched their lives. There will be an "All are Welcome Irish Wake" open house on Sunday, July 7th, 2024 at their home 5416 E. Willowick Circle, Anaheim, CA 92807 starting at 2pm and going late, as she always loved a good get together with laughter and a "cheers deah!" Services will be at 11am on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Chapman Funeral Homes, 702 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866. Followed by burial at 2pm, El Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabucco Road, Lake Forrest, CA 92630. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local or any Parkinson's association.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfunerals.com .

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