Katherine Swenson Ling Wolf

Katherine Ione Swenson was born in Portland, Oregon, at Wilcox Memorial Women’s Hospital, to parents Martin and Hilda (Quenell) Swenson on April 3, 1928. Beloved sister, "Kate" to big brother Edward J. Swenson.

Katherine was raised in the eclectic, close-knit community of Linnton. She was awed by the completion of the St. Johns Bridge, practically outside her bedroom window. She attended James John Elementary School, Roosevelt High School, and Girls' Poly High School. There are great stories of walks & bus rides to school, dances and activities across her favorite Bridge.

Katherine married Clifford Edwin Ling on September 10, 1946. She loved the Log Cabin set on two acres of Douglas Fir in Cedar Mill. They raised three girls, some rabbits, chickens, milk cows, steers, a pig, vegetables & two apple trees. Cliff passed away in 1969.

As a young woman already plying "needle & thimble" skills at her first jobs in tailoring and alterations from suits to wedding gowns. After raising the girls to responsible school ages, Katherine worked for Tektronix assembly & soldering the fine detail work of early circuit boards. Often on a hot summer day, she would pack us up after work & school and escape to the cooler temperatures of the Timber property for dinner & cooling wade in the river.

Katherine married John Hugo Wolf June 25th, 1969. She welcomed 3 more children into her life. Although she referred to herself as the

"wicked step-mother", we all know in New England terms as wicked-good. All three have loved her dearly. Together with John they built a thriving family business that lives on today. They traveled to Navy reunions, cruised a few voyages and rarely passed a fabric store without stopping to make a 'contribution'.

Katherine was passionate about the organization, Recovery, Inc., a self-help, volunteer-led association that's helped hundreds learn Dr. Low's method of managing fear and anger. "Katie" was a group leader for over 25 years and made some very precious and lasting friendships. Also known for her passion of creating works of art from fabric & threads, she quilted up a storm for years. She received many honors. In 1999 she was featured Quilter of Northwest Quilters annual show, displaying hundreds of pieces across the Portland State auditorium.

After John's death, she slowed down the larger projects and turned some of that energy toward little quilts and pillows donated to a Shelter dedicated to the safety and care of abused women and children. In this past year she returned to another old skill of knitting. Katherine produced hundreds of sweet, tiny hats for the Preemie & Nicu units of the local Hospitals.

Survivors include her children: Sandra (Ling) Normoyle, Terri Jo Ling, Sherrie Wolf/Peter Lovely, and Kim (Wolf) Judson/ Lee Judson; grandchildren, Stephanie Wood, Kim Grant, Angela (Hing) Watson, Sarah Wolf, Brittany Wolf, Jennifer McKinley, Mackenzie Harvey, and Quincy Judson; and nine great-grandchildren.

Katherine is preceded in death by her parents Martin and Hilda Swenson; husband Clifford E. Ling; brother, Edward J. Swenson; son, Daryl Wolf, daughter Kathy Ling and husband, John H. Wolf.

Katherine will be privately laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens of Portland, Oregon.

Please visit Katherine’s internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers to honor Katherine’s memory may be made to:

Recovery, Inc.

Oregon Humane Society

Friends of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Doctors Without Borders

Thank you.