My Aunt Kathryn

Dr. Kathryn Leta Wright, age 61, a resident of Lathrup Village, formerly of Royal Oak, died April 26, 2010 at her home. She was born April 15, 1949 in Culver City, CA. Dr. Wright was a champion in Michigan for adolescent health and HIV care and prevention. She was an adolescent pediatrician who devoted the last 15 years of her career to treating teenagers in Detroit affected by HIV/AIDS. She founded the Horizons Project in 1992, an adolescent clinic at Children’s Hospital in Detroit, with a mission to support and love children and families affected by HIV. Her life’s work was cut short, and she needed to retire from Detroit Children’s Hospital in 2007 due to a medical disability. In 2007, Dr. Wright was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Comprehensive School Health Coordinator’s Association (CSHCA). Since retiring Kathryn had the joy of traveling, especially to her life-long love, the ocean, and reuniting with family and friends, who all will miss her consistent, unconditional, love and support. She is survived by her daughter, Jordan Lambert Wright of Toronto, Canada; mother, Shirlee Byrd of Santa Cruz, CA; siblings, Diana Wright Troxell of Cottonwood, CA, Virginia Ann Wright of Felton, CA, David Michael Wright of Freemont, CA, John Gilbert Wright of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and Maria Frances Wright of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and her partner, Susan Ann Brooks of Lathrup Village. She was preceded in death by her father, Philip Browne Wright.

A memorial service will be held Thursday 7 p.m. at the Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church, 23925 Northwestern Highway, in Southfield to memorialize Dr. Kathryn Wright and her amazing gifts to the community. Arrangements by Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, Royal Oak, 248-541-7000. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.