Kathleen Clements

Kathleen “Kathy” Clements went to our Lord on Sunday April 28th, 2024. Kathy was born to Kate (Kathryn) and PJ (Philip John) Cavanaugh in Butte, MT on March 5th, 1931. Kathy was the middle child of five (Phyllis, Jack, Ann and Jim). Growing up in Butte she attended St Ann’s and St John’s schools. Kathy loved music and shared her gifts of singing and playing the clarinet. She sang in church, at school and as part of a three-piece band. Her mom often said Kathy was only one of two people she knew with perfect pitch. Growing up in the Cavanaugh clan meant trips to the family cabin in the great outdoors where they would ride horses, fish, and hike with family and friends. Like her siblings, Kathy worked in the family hardware store, famously known in Butte as Southside Hardware. In her teen years she worked at Harrington’s ice cream parlor. One day while working, a dapper young man (her future husband Bill) and his friend came in for ice cream. While she would not give him a free cone, Bill continued to frequent Harrington's finally getting a date with Kathy. Kathy graduated from Girls Central High School in Butte. Her musical talents earned her a scholarship to St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, KS. After a year at St. Mary’s, she returned to Butte.

Kathy and Bill married on October 4, 1952, at St. John’s church. Bill likes to say they had a yearlong honeymoon in Coronado, CA where he was stationed while in the Navy. When Kathy and Bill returned to Butte, they welcomed their daughter Karen in July of 1955. They moved west to Seattle in 1956, following the lead of Bill’s cousin and Kathy’s sister. They settled in West Seattle and joined Holy Rosary parish which became their ‘home’ for 68 years. In 1958 they welcomed their son Bill Jr., and 14 months later their son Bob.

As a loving Mom, Kathy was an ardent supporter of her kids, volunteering at their schools, cheering them on at their sporting events, and helping with related activities. Kathy was involved in parish activities, daily mass, bible study, doing home craft projects, cooking, which included family favorites pasties and ravioli, and of course music. She sang in the Holy Rosary Sunday choir and was a cantor at daily mass. Kathy was a soprano in the Seattle Bach Choir. She was an avid bowler. Left-handed high-speed rolls with a wicked hook were her specialty. She earned several awards for the number of games she bowled above 200. Kathy loved laughing and having fun with family, extended family and friends. Many trips to Lake Cle Elum for camping and weekend excursions to Ocean Shores held special memories. She was a strong Irish Catholic woman who was fiercely protective of family. Included in “the family” were her poodles. And oh, how they loved Kathy. Her last poodle “Muffettee” lived to be 18 years due in part to Kathy’s doting and dedication to her care. All of them seemed to inherit Kathy’s fierce protective instincts.

Once Bill retired, they set about to travel the world. They enjoyed touring and exploring many destinations, often via cruises and/or tours. Destinations included Italy, Spain, Netherlands, France, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and the Continental U.S. They enjoyed many annual winter respites to Palm Desert and Arizona with friends. Kathy delighted in sharing stories and reminiscing about her favorite travel adventures. As grandchildren arrived, travels also included annual family vacations to Sunriver, OR and Long Beach, WA. Clearly, her grandchildren were a priority. She loved to ride bikes with them, and “passing on your left” was always the friendly back and forth challenge between generations. Kathy enjoyed hosting July 4th family celebrations at their beautiful home which showcased terrific views of fireworks shows at Elliot Bay, Lake Union, Bainbridge, and across the waters of Puget Sound.

Kathy and Bill celebrated 71 years of marriage in October 2023. They provided a wonderful example of commitment and devotion to each other, their family, and their faith. Kathy is survived by her loving husband Bill, daughter Karen, son Bill Jr. and his wife Trish, son Bob and his wife Lisa; her grandchildren Joseph (Kaya), Melissa (Robert), Liam (Caitlin), Ethan (Katherine), Jacob, and their new great-granddaughter Rory, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She sends her love to all and wants everyone to remember to take a moment every now and then to enjoy some ice cream

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Grace Senior Care home, and the nurses and doctors at Swedish Hospital Issaquah, 3rd floor Cascade wing for the care and support they provided Kathy and her family. There are truly angels walking among us.

A funeral mass will be celebrated for Kathy on Tuesday, July 2nd at 11:00 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle at 4142 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. The rosary will be recited prior to the mass starting at 10:30 am. A luncheon reception will follow in the school hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle, O’Dea High School or a charity of your choice.