KATHLEEN “KATHY” C. TOWNSEND (nee Higgins), age 51 of Crown Point, born August 3, 1962, passed away peacefully in her home on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, surrounded by family. Survived by her husband of 23 years, Mark Townsend; her parents, Tom and Betty (Kopil) Higgins; sisters: Judy (Mike) Maretich, Nancy (Brad McClellan) Higgins, Tracy (late Tim) Bonick, Stacy (Bob) Gleason; brothers: Tom (Carrie) Higgins, Tim (Cathy) Higgins, Patrick (Karen) Higgins; many nieces and nephews; four great-nieces and nephews. Kathy was Senior Executive Assistant at Corporate Headquarters at Cars Collision Centers, Schererville. Family and friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service, 6360 Broadway, Merrillville on Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2014 DIRECTLY from St. Stephen, Martyr Catholic Church, 5920 Waite Street, Merrillville with Rev. Mick Kopil and Rev. Michael Maginot officiating. There will be a gathering for one half-hour prior to mass. At rest St. Mary Cemetery, Crown Point. Cremation will preceed the visitation and mass. Memorials preferred to Kathleen C. Townsend Foundation. Kathy was the most loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and great-aunt. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel and words cannot express how much Kathy will be missed. Her kind-hearted, giving and caring ways touched the lives of many. She was artistically gifted and her talents can be seen everywhere around us. Anyone who knew her, knew just how truly special she was. Her memory and charitable ways will live in the hearts of many forever!