Kathleen Erin "Katie" Garrity

Kathleen E. “Katie” Garrity, age 66, of Prairie du Chien passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at her home. She was born in Prairie du Chien on May 17, 1957, the daughter of Robert and Marion (Fournier) Garrity. She graduated from Prairie du Chien High School in 1975, went on to achieve her B.S. in Nursing and a PhD in Organizational Leadership. A fierce advocate in healthcare and education, her career took her through different nursing channels until she landed at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore. For nearly 20 years, she found much success in her various positions from Dean of Health Services, to Chief Academic Officer, to Executive Advisor to the President. She was a key initiator for the Direct-Entry Midwife program, which is currently the only one of its kind in the country embedded within a public institution. She also founded the SWTC Food Pantry in 2009. Her legacy will live on as this vital part of the campus will now be called “Katie’s Cupboard.” She also found pride in serving her community by serving on multiple boards, including President of the Board of Directors at Crossing Rivers Health for many years. She is survived by her daughter, Frances “Frankie” Garrity; 3 brothers Kevin (Judy), Michael (Cara), and Brendan (Lisa) Garrity; 4 sisters Peggy Garrity, Bridget (Lee) Hettinger, Sheila Garrity, and Maura Garrity; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved furry companion Roux. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Timothy and Danny Garrity.

A celebration of Katie’s life will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024, from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Prairie du Chien Country Club. Another celebration will be held at SWTC on a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Katie’s Cupboard located at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, WI. Donations can be submitted online at:

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/23455/donations/new

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