Kathryn Marie Jorgensen

Kathryn “Kathi” Jorgensen, 56, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Palmdale, CA. on Sunday, March 23, 2014. Kathi was born on June 2, 1957 in Garden City, Michigan and was the second of five children born to James and Dorothea Birrell.

She married David Jorgensen of Detroit, Michigan on May 16,1981. Kathi and David moved to Norwalk, CA in 1981, and then resided in La Mirada, CA from 1987 until 2004. Her life was dedicated to raising their two children, Shannon Jorgensen (30) and Shaun Jorgensen (27). In 2004, Kathi moved with her husband, David, to Palmdale, CA as part of his 33 years of employment with Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Kathi is a graduate of Antelope Valley Community College and has been employed for 6 years as an accountant for the Palmdale School District, Child Nutrition Department.

During the last 25 years, she was actively involved with the Los Angeles Public School System, first by dedicating her time volunteering for the PTA and numerous assignments with the Norwalk-La Mirada School District and continuing with her employment with the Palmdale School District.

Over the last 10 years she has enjoyed watching her children grow into adulthood and celebrated their many accomplishments. In July 2012, she was blessed by the birth of her granddaughter, Sofia. It has been a great joy to her, in recent years, to have her children and granddaughter close to her in Palmdale.

Since 2006, Kathi has been an avid supporter of members of the United States Armed Forces and has volunteered and participated in many activities of the Antelope Valley Blue Star Mom’s and the United Services Organization, Inc. (USO). She enjoyed camping, reading, and most of all spending time with her friends and family.

She is also survived by two sisters, Kelly Benson of Lakewood, CA and Karen Schaeffer of Wayne, MI as well as her brother Kenneth Birrell of Westland, MI. She is preceded in death by her cherished mother and father, Dorothea Birrell and James Birrell; and her beloved older brother, Kevin Birrell. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as, many close family friends.

Live well, laugh often, and love much were the hallmarks of Kathi’s life. She will be missed by many.Donations can be made in Kathi’s honor to the United Services Organization (USO) through their website at www.uso.org/donate.

Arrangements under the direction of Joshua Memorial Park Mortuary, Lancaster, CA.