With profound sadness we announce the passing of Kathryn "Kivit" Mella, a loving spouse and dear friend to all those whose lives she touched. Kathryn passed away on January 28, 2019. She was 87 years old. She left us quickly and peacefully from heart failure, passing as she often stated - "We should be created like light bulbs, go, go, go and then instantly burn out at the end".

A Tampa Florida native, born in 1931, Kathryn had a full and interesting life. She had many passions and the courage and tenacity to follow them. She had many talents, including her degree in interior design, her dog grooming business, and her involvement in show dog competitions with her Afghans. Kathryn put her heart into everything she did, starting with her earlier years, where she lived on Madeira Beach, sailed her boat and was an early member of the St. Pete Salon. She liked to travel and planned many wonderful trips with her spouse, Mary, both abroad and in their RV. And, as all who knew her realize, she loved to dance. Dancing spanned Kathryn's life from her early years as an Arthur Murray dance instructor and later, to her 15 year passion of Argentine tango, earning her the nickname "Tango Mouse". She enjoyed sharing that passion with the many wonderful dancers in the Tango community.

Kathryn leaves behind Mary, her spouse and beloved of 35 years. She also leaves behind an extended family and many friends. She will be dearly missed at the family gatherings and the social events with friends. She was so loved.

My Journey's Just Begun (Ellen Brenneman)

Don't think of me as gone away

My journey's just begun

Life holds so many facets

This earth is but one

Just think of me as resting

From the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort

Where there are no days and years

Think of how I must be wishing

That you could know today

How nothing but your sadness

Can really go away

And think of me as living

In the hearts of those I touched

For nothing loved is ever lost

And I know I was loved so much

"Entrusted To Our Care" MacDonald Funeral Home