Katheryn Ann Towne

Katheryn Towne, 81, passed away on Jan 25, 2016 at her home in Auburn WA, attended by family. She is survived by husband, Lloyd; children: Jeffery(Lucy) Towne , Julie Towne, Nikki Ely, MaryAnn(Daniel) Raichart ; 7 grandchildren: Sydney Towne, Nicholas Towne, Benjamin Ely, Ryan Ely,

Gus Ely, Ross Raichart, Rachel Raichart and 1 great-grandchild, Macie.

Katheryn was preceded in death by her mother Inez Nelson, step-father Neil Nelson, father Lester Erickson, brother Lester Nelson, sister Edna (Nelson)Reichert and son Jonathan Towne.

Katheryn was born March 6, 1934 in Santa Ana CA on the front porch of the family home. She was the second of 3 children and first daughter born to Inez and Lester Erickson. After dissolution of her mother’s first marriage, the family moved to Seattle where her mother remarried.

Growing up in Seattle, a 1952 graduate of Ballard High School, Katheryn married Lloyd in 1954 and together they raised 5 children in the Pacific Northwest. Katheryn made extra time in her busy life as homemaker to a family of seven for things she felt important, like teaching Sunday school and leading a campfire group. Along the way she built and maintained many long lasting friendships.

During the in-between years (after children, but before grandchildren) Katheryn returned to college at GRCC. She quickly made friends with other women, later calling themselves “The Asterisk Women”, after one of them discovered an * beside each of their names in a roll book denoting a returning student ‘of a certain age’. Katheryn always appreciated the art of the written word and here, at school, her own gift for it flourished. Those who were lucky enough to receive one of her postcards or letters know she had a way with words.

Also during this period, Lloyd and Katheryn slowly built a mountain vacation cabin - some call it a house - naming it Over Skooden (above the fog). All family members chipped in time, sweat and laughter to help out when possible, but, the predominance of work was done by Lloyd. Katherine loved the serenity of this place, whether sitting inside by the fire as snow accumulated in winter or potting flowers on the deck in summer. She also loved sharing it with family and friends.

Besides being generous, Katheryn possessed the gift of humor, especially the ability to laugh at herself. She loved the arts, travel, a good book, their mountain cabin, the garden, family and her friends. To all of you, she would say “Thank-you for being part of my life and I wish you much cheer.”

A special Thank-You to the staff of Group Health Hospice for easing this transition for both Katheryn and family members.

A small remembrance will be held for Katheryn on her birthday, Sunday, March 6.