Kathleen Lessing

Kathleen Lessing began her life on March 22nd, 1949. On that day the world was blessed with an amazing individual that would change the lives of everyone close to her for the better. Kathleen was a vibrant and strong woman all throughout her life, even toward its conclusion. She had so much more to offer the world.

She is survived by her soulmate, Richard; daughter, Michelle; sons, David and Jimmy. We will all miss her more than anyone can imagine.

Kathleen was a free spirit at heart—a self-professed “beach girl.” Born near the deep blue coasts of southern California, she embodied the beauty of paradise. She loved The Beatles, crafting artwork, gardening, days at the beach, and See’s scotch kisses. She was always an incredibly bright and empathetic woman and achieved a higher education in social work and counseling from the University of California at Santa Barbara. It was clear from a young age her profound ability to connect with others and drive to help them was already shaping her life.

Kathleen moved on to marry and have a family with Richard, raising three children. She was the most loving and nurturing mother that anyone could ask for, as well as a loving and generous partner. Kathleen always put others before herself and made so many sacrifices throughout her life to improve the lives of others, especially her family’s. Never has the world seen another person more kind, selfless, and loving than Kathleen. She was truly amazing.

Kathleen’s strength didn’t end with her compassion. She fought cancer toward the end of her life for five years, defying all expectations, surviving to live and love for every extra minute she could fight for. We are all grateful that we could have as much time as we had with her. We are deeply saddened that we could not have more. Kathleen had so much more life and love left in her, up until the very end. The world suffered the day we lost her. We will always remember the last thing Kathleen told us all—she will always be in our hearts. Kathleen left us on August 29th, 2019. We will always keep you in our hearts. We will always love you.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in honor of Kathleen to:

Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society

https://donate.chromosome18.org/give/49133/#!/donation/checkout

American Cancer Society

https://bit.ly/2LbFvPC

Visitation 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress with Recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 pm.

Memorial Mass 10:00 am Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church.