Kaye M. Tavernier

life story

Kind, tender hearted, loved teacher, friend of community

Kaye Tavernier entered this world on January 7, 1951, young-bodied and eager. In childhood, she helped care for younger siblings, that eagerness rooted the seed of her generosity. Youthful, curious, she sought out the world in its many ways, and it shaped her heart. Eventually, she settled in Grand Marais for a career of teaching, where she served for many years.

Kaye found love, of course, and promptly married Marc Tavernier. With him they gave life to three sons, Mitch, Rick, and Brad. As a mother and wife, she tendered her heart; she gave to them freely. And the years passed, and life gave and took, and she became vulnerable, and she became strong. And she continued to give, in kindness and unabashed intimacy, in friendship and community, and to us all. To her daughters-in-law, Annie, Mindy, and Becca, you related with love and admiration. But nothing was more natural to Kaye than being a grandmother, and nothing was more beautiful for us to witness than the joy she bestowed upon Maya, Trey, Jayce, Josephine, and Jonah - blossoms of her heart. And even to the end, with her body worn, she spoke ultimately, “I love you.” And although she left us on February 22, 2023, the repose of her leavings will be born again into gentle gifts and generations, to be given anew for many seasons to come.

All are welcome to memorialize our beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and dear friend, Kaye Tavernier, at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Care Partners & the End-of-Life Doulas at carepartnersofcookcounty.org.