Beloved Community Spotlight

A lifelong Episcopalian, Kathy Meyer found her way to Baton Rouge—and to St. Margaret’s—at a time when both became gifts beyond measure.

After retiring in 2019 following more than 40 years as a payroll manager, she moved to the area in early 2020 to be closer to family — her older brother Doug and his wife Mary Beth in nearby Slidell, along with a joyful crowd of nieces, a nephew, and eight great-nieces and nephews.

Kathy arrived just before Covid shut everything down, and in those isolating early months, St. Margaret’s quickly became a lifeline. She discovered St. Margaret’s through the church’s website and word from a wonderful small-world connection: a dear friend who knew Fr. Tommy from their seminary days.

From the beginning, she felt welcomed and connected, grateful for a parish that offered community, faith, and steadiness during uncertain times. Now in her sixth year at St. Margaret’s, Kathy remains deeply thankful for the role this parish plays in her life.

Born in Great Bend, Kansas, Kathy grew up the oldest of four children and moved to Kansas City as a teenager when her father took a new job for the Kansas City Star. A shy, book-loving “small-town girl” at first, she gradually grew into an extrovert and explorer, especially after attending three high schools.

Her professional life settled into accounting and payroll, but her heart was always deeply rooted in the Episcopal Church.

That love for the Church led to decades of volunteer service. Altar Guild was the beginning. Over the years she also served as the first woman usher at Good Shepherd Church, a youth leader, Happening leader and as a director for the Diocese of West Missouri for more than 10 years (earning the Bishop’s Shield for that service). She served on the National Happening Board, as an Episcopal Church Women leader, Companion Diocese leader for West Missouri and Venezuela, and as Episcopal Social Services leader and event planner and more. Through it all, she learned, grew, and met extraordinary people from every walk of life.

At age 50, Kathy made a bold, faith-filled decision to move to California, fulfilling a dream that began when she first visited at 17. Kathy landed in Santa Barbara, which she still describes as paradise. Friends wondered how she would manage without a job, a home, or built-in community. Her answer was simple: “I’ll just go to the Episcopal Church, and I’ll be just fine.”

Throughout her life, the Church has been a place where she felt included, valued, and called—especially as a single, independent woman who never married or had children.

While that wasn’t the path she once imagined, Kathys says she wouldn’t change a thing. Being an aunt, offering extra hands and feet where needed, and living a life of service has brought her deep joy. “It’s been a wonderful life,” she says—though she admits she’s a little pooped!

In Baton Rouge, she continues that spirit of service through St. Margaret’s ministries with children and youth and Maggie’s Ladies (Episcopal Church Women). She firmly believes there is no retirement from doing what Jesus asks of us.

Professionally, after retiring from PathPoint in 2019, she returned to work in recent years—first at Our Lady of the Lake in Accounts Payable, then as Parish Administrator at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Denham Springs. Recently, she’s begun working from home for her nephew’s golf accessories business, combining her love of organization, golf, and being at home.

When Kathy’s not working or volunteering, you’ll find her enjoying Baton Rouge Encore (Newcomers) activities along with crafting, reading, and listening to country music.

Kathy hopes to be remembered as someone who lived with enthusiasm, who was fun to be around, and always tried to be kind and thoughtful.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to meet Kathy at St. Margaret’s, be sure to say hello—you’ll discover a warm spirit, a joyful laugh, and a heart deeply committed to faith, community, and living life with purpose.