Kathi grew up in a large, loving family surrounded by great parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister. They continued to stay in touch, even after all of the kids moved out on their own, talking frequently and spending weekends, holidays and birthdays together whenever possible.
Kathi met Phil Smillie while they were in high school and married after Kathi became a nurse and Phil had established his construction business. Kathi and Phil spent their early married years loving life while working, traveling and spending time with family and friends. When Morgan and Tyler came along Kathi and Phil thrived in their roles as parents.
Even though breast cancer took Kathi too soon, she left a legacy of family, friends, co-workers, patients that continue to be impressed with how Kathi made a difference every day of her life. This foundation is our way of carrying on Kathi’s legacy by helping nursing students deal with the costs of their education.
Morgan Smillie, Kathi’s oldest child, currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was educated in New York until middle school and completed high school in Jupiter, Florida. Education was very important to Kathi which has inspired Morgan to continue learning throughout her life. Morgan received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Florida State University in 2012 and a Masters degree in Human Resources Management from Stony Brook University in 2014. She loves to spend time with her pup, Josie, family and friends. Even though Morgan is an east coast girl at heart, she has moved several times and traveled extensively to support her career aspirations and most of all to find herself.
Tyler Smillie, Kathi’s youngest child, currently lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was educated in New York until middle school and completed high school in Jupiter, Florida. Tyler received a Bachelor’s degree at Florida State University’s College of Business in 2014 and an MBA in 2016. He currently works in Private Banking, traveling extensively throughout south Florida. Tyler enjoys ceramic arts and outdoor sports such as running. He is involved with multiple charitable organizations and also enjoys cheering on the Florida State Seminoles football team.