Obituaries

Mackenzie Paul, affectionately known as Kenzie, age 25, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after bravely battling cancer (acute myeloid leukemia) for nearly three years.

Born on February 16, 2000, Kenzie lived a life defined by determination, intelligence, athleticism, and deep kindness. Throughout her life — and especially during her illness — she demonstrated extraordinary resilience, courage, and grace.

A gifted athlete, Kenzie found joy and discipline in basketball, cross country, and soccer, earning twelve varsity letters during her high school years. She continued her basketball career at Lake Superior State University, playing collegiately in her hometown while exemplifying teamwork, perseverance, and leadership on and off the court.

Those same qualities shaped her academic path. Exceptionally smart and deeply driven, she had been entering her second year of medical school at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. In October 2023, she publicly shared her diagnosis while inspiring thousands through her candid and hopeful social media presence.

During her battle with cancer, Kenzie refused to let the disease define her. She posted inspirationally using “Taking Back What Cancer Took From Me,” turning her experience into a source of encouragement and empowerment for others.

As part of her healing and advocacy, Kenzie expressed herself creatively in multiple ways. She wrote poetry, drew, and through her artwork began the Mantra Project, sharing her guiding statement, “I AM THE STORM.” This powerful statement reflected her courage, strength, and faith in God, inspiring others to face challenges with determination and hope. She also wrote a book of poetry titled This Is What It Feels Like: A Book of Poems Written by a Cancer Patient, creating space for those battling cancer to express emotions that are often hard to name, while helping family and friends better understand what their loved ones may be feeling.

Kenzie was fun loving and full of life — her smile and laughter were infectious, and her warmth and joy lit up every room she entered. She was truly a beautiful woman and a beautiful person, inside and out. Above all, simply being with Kenzie made those around her kinder, stronger, and better people.

Kenzie is survived by her loving husband, Brandon and their snuggle partner and sock bandit Naboo “Boo Butt”; her father and stepmother, Kevin Kalchik and Sheila Lewis; her mother, Renee Norkoli; her sisters, Taylor Jones (husband Tyler) and Hailey Lewis; her father and mother-in-law, Dean and Ann Paul; her aunt Kerri (Miller) and her cherished nephew Louie (Jones).

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in celebration of Kenzie’s life on March 7, 2026, at Sault Wesleyan Church, beginning with visitation at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m., where memories and love will be shared. A reception will follow the service at the Sault Elks Lodge, as we continue to honor and celebrate a life that touched so many.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the “I AM THE STORM” Mackenzie (Kalchik) Paul Memorial Scholarship, established in her honor. This scholarship supports a graduating senior from Sault High School who exemplifies community involvement, athletics, academic achievement, and above all, kindness — the values Kenzie embodied. Contributions can be made through the Chippewa County Community Foundation: https://www.chippewacountycommunityfoundation.org/.

Though her life was far too short, Kenzie leaves behind a legacy of courage, intelligence, creativity, kindness, and the rare gift of inspiring everyone she met to be a better person.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.