Kathleen Wilhelmina Carpenter Orange returned to Heaven on June 9, 2017, surrounded by friends and family. Her death came just two and a half hours before her 88th birthday. Kathy was born in Red Bluff, California and grew up in Oregon. Born during the Great Depression, Kathy and her four siblings grew up poor and itinerant. She often spoke of her love of modern conveniences, as she was raised with no indoor plumbing and was the family goat herder. She met her husband of 64 years, Craig Orange, in Oregon but they soon moved to San Diego, California, where they lived in the same house for 55 years.
Kathy worked various jobs but her prime calling was to be a wife, mother, sister, friend, aunt and grandmother. Scores of friends and family testify to her pure love and sweet nature. In her quiet way, Kathy helped many people through their troubles, providing a bright example of generosity of spirit and body. She was a woman of great faith, and labored for many years in the San Diego Healing Rooms praying for those in need. Kathy cherished those around her, even offering strangers the benefit of her peace and love. She inspired joy to all with her shining smile and brightly colored clothes and jewelry.
Kathy often said she found it hard to believe that a simple Oregon farm girl should travel around the world, but she and Craig journeyed throughout Europe, China, Israel, South America and the Pacific Islands. She and Craig also traveled with their daughter Laurie Orange on many cruises and Road Scholar trips. She loved nature and could find beauty in the smallest flower. Accomplished gardeners, Kathy and Craig leave behind a lush tropical garden in their Clairemont home.
Despite having colon cancer for many years, Kathy lived a healthy and independent life until she suffered a heart attack on April 21, 2017. Her health rapidly declined, and her last days were spent at home with family, caretakers and friends.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Craig, who died January 29, 2017. She is survived by her daughter Laurie Orange and husband Mike Bishop, daughter Joy Matthews (formerly known as Jodie Orange Feldman), her sister Jean Freeman and brothers Paul and Keith Carpenter, grandsons Kevin Feldman and Matt Feldman and his wife Claire Stewart Feldman, son in law Bernie Feldman and his wife Laurel Feldman, and many cousins and relatives.
A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at 2:00 pm, with visiting hours from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, at the Clairemont Christian Fellowship located at 4570 Mt Herbert Avenue, San Diego, CA. Further information can be found at www.pacificbeachchapel.com, Obituaries, including a guest book for remembrances. As Kathy’s love of life always shown brightly, guests are encouraged to wear bright colors to the Celebration.
Arrangements under the direction of Pacific Beach - La Jolla Chapel, San Diego, CA.
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