Kathy Lynn Neumann

Kathy Neumann

1955-2026

Early Life and Deep Roots

Kathy was born on March 20, 1955, as the first-born daughter of Don and Joyce Beal-Allard. She spent her early years in a lively, bustling home on Bone Road in Lebanon, Ohio. She grew up alongside her younger brother Michael, born in 1959, and her sister Jennifer, born in 1962. Following her parents' divorce and subsequent remarriages, Kathy welcomed sisters Erin and Julie along with stepparents Ceil Allard and Fred Leeds into her life. Together, they formed a deeply loving lifelong bond and an unbreakable support network for each other. Kathy went on to attend Lebanon High School, where her quick wit and unique humor won her a wonderful circle of friends who stayed in close contact for decades.

Education and Launching a Career

After graduating from high school, Kathy completed the Kettering Medical Arts program, earning her certification as an X-ray Technician and going to work for Dr. Thomas Fox. However, her fierce independence and passion for doing what she felt was best soon pulled her toward a new horizon. In the late 1970s, Kathy made the bold decision to move to California. With the initial help of her Aunt Nancy and Uncle Doug, she established herself in San Diego, a place perfectly suited to its year-round beautiful weather and free-thinking people just like her. While embracing her new life, she enrolled at San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. To fund her education and lifestyle, she became a top sales representative for the premier west coast publisher, Harcourt Brace. Her career flourished, bringing her nationwide business travel, book expos, and book signings.

Passions, Travel, and a Vivid Life

Kathy loved adventure and lived life with immense curiosity. She traveled widely across the United States and explored international destinations like Ireland, Spain and Uruguay. Deeply creative, she spent hours crafting, which included crocheting her own custom scarves and making beautiful art pieces that she routinely displayed around her home. Music brought her endless joy, particularly jazz vocals. She frequently attended west coast concerts, including one memorable night where she met the famous jazz trumpet player Chris Botti. Kathy also shared an endless, fierce love for cats, delighted in experimenting with different foods like sushi, and loved watching The Minions and Bluey on television. Above all, she was known for putting a thought-provoking, clever "spin" on any conversation, always followed by a distinct chuckle that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

The Brave Battle with Parkinson's

In 1995, at just 40 years old, Kathy was diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease. Showing her trademark determination, she independently did her homework on the disorder and successfully qualified for an experimental clinical procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). The surgery was a massive success, leaving her with no tremors and allowing the family to proudly call her the "Parkinson’s Poster Child" during many symptom-free years. After two decades, as the progressive disease began to subtly impact her cognitive and motor skills, Kathy's strength prevailed as she chose to return to Lebanon, Ohio. She initially lived alone in a house, but as balance in a multi-story home became high-risk, she moved to a single-floor duplex down the street from her mother. By 2021, when the cognitive demands of managing her meals and medication schedule became too unsafe to handle alone, Kathy transitioned into a skilled nursing facility at Mason Assisted Living. In 2024, her family again moved her to the Memory Care wing at Chesterwood to receive dedicated, 24/7 care. The outstanding staff and hospice support team truly loved Kathy, treating her completely as part of their own family until the very end.

Peace at Last

After facing an incurable disease for over 30 brave years with unparalleled dignity and strength, Kathy passed away peacefully the morning of September 19, 2026. She leaves behind a family who respects her deeply, loves her endlessly, and takes comfort knowing that heaven has welcomed her with open arms, finally freeing her from the claws of Parkinson's Disease.

A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them for a casual and relaxed gathering to remember Kathy, share memories, and celebrate the life she lived. Those who would like to share a special story or memory are welcome to do so beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Following the gathering, inurnment will take place at Miami Cemetery in Corwin.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to: UC Foundation/ Parkinson Research, PO Box 19970, Cincinnati, OH 45219, in Kathy’s memory.