Kathleen W. Béïque

Kathleen Marie Willcutts Béïque passed away shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the 23rd of April, during the Easter Octave, in the year of our Lord, 2025. At the age of 68, after a special year filled with faith, hope, and love, she succumbed to the relentless encroachment of a rare brain cancer, an anaplastic astrocytoma glioma.

Firstborn of eight children in Alameda, California, she grew up in San Leandro, California, then Corpus Christi, Texas, and ultimately in Galesburg, Illinois. She took responsibility early for nurturing her siblings, encouraging their excellence by her own demanding example of self-discipline and academic success. After meeting all challenges with winning accomplishment, Kathy left the Land of Lincoln for college life in Texas at Rice University. Beginning as a pre-med major, she soon talked her way into the School of Architecture, where she met her mate for life, Marc. During an evening stroll outside the hedges, Kathy and Marc had their first kiss in the firetruck at Fire Truck Park in nearby Southside Place, Houston. Rice was also where Kathy met special people who would become her lifelong friends, including Janet Brown Vidnovic, Martha Ramos and Peter Mims, Nancy Silliman Shaw, Mary McLeese, Roy Hauger, Chris Stacy, and many others.

After graduation and a wedding, her natural proclivities prevailed. Teaching, guiding, rescuing, and encouraging were her true callings. She entered a master’s program for educational psychology at the University of Houston and earned her Texas teaching credentials. Kathy believed that educating and preparing children to navigate life’s challenges are the most important undertakings of any society.

Kathy’s first teaching job was at Dodson Elementary-Montessori Magnet School in Houston where she taught primary school children with severe developmental delays.

In those early years, Marc and Kathy bought their first Houston home on Blue Bonnet Blvd. Almost immediately thereafter, the price of crude oil plummeted, and the young couple looked nationwide for opportunities, particularly in California.

In 1987, Kathy and Marc moved to Salinas, California, where Kathy taught for the Monterey County Office of Education, again focusing on students with severe developmental challenges like autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

From there, Kathy was hired as program coordinator for the “Parents as Teachers” education program for the Salinas Adult School. There she implemented a 2-year pilot project, “Home Visitation Program,” funded by The David and Lucille Packard Foundation’s Center for the Future of Children. She hired, supervised, and coordinated training of parent education staff for this program based upon Dr. Burton White’s book, The First Three Years of Life. At the same time, she became credentialed to teach in California.

While volunteering for the Monterey Child Abuse Prevention Council, as Kathy was waiting for a meeting to begin, she encountered Frankie Appling. Kathy’s response to Frankie’s question, “Who are you?” firmly cemented another lifelong friendship.

On weekends, Kathy loved taking daylong hikes in the incredible natural beauty of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. She was startled to discover that the only others enjoying her favorite diversion were Europeans, not locals.

In 1993, Kathy agreed to the adventure of moving to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for Marc to work alongside a Rice classmate, Arturo J. Garcia. Finding the public schools there in woeful disrepair, Kathy chose instead to dive into volunteer activities, including: Volunteer & Board Member, Bill’s Kitchen/Food Bank for HIV-AIDS patients (in their formative years); Co-founder & Board Member, Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico (where she met Kathy Bailey, another lifelong friend).

Kathy, with Marc by her side, made many excursions (by small plane) to the island of Culebra, just east of the island of Puerto Rico. There they discovered Zuni beach, with crystal clear turquoise water, a long, wide, white-sand beach, and no one else around. The natural beauty of the spot was rivaled only by Kathy.

After an extensive road trip throughout the United States in 1996, Marc and Kathy moved back to Monterey, California. She worked for the Salinas City School District as a regular 1st and 2nd grade classroom teacher. During this time Kathy also volunteered with: Special Olympics, as a coach, and The Josephine Kernes Therapeutic Swim Program, as a Board member and volunteer, making another lifetime friend in Marvella Peterman.

Happily, in 1997, Kathy discovered educators who shared and understood her professional views at Chartwell School in Seaside, California. Chartwell is a private school for dyslexic students in the 2nd through 12th grades. Kathy spent 17 years there as a specialist teacher focusing on language training, language arts, and mathematics. She was well-suited for these responsibilities, and she truly admired and enjoyed the professionalism and support of her peers, including Nora Lee, Judy Gaughf, Patti Kirshner, and Elizabeth Link. Kathy was grateful for the support and camaraderie of the school. Its focus on the resolution of students’ learning issues allowed her to thrive. Although the school had operated for many years in three non-descript residential buildings, in 2006, Kathy shared the joy of moving to the new Chartwell campus on the former Ft. Ord military base. This new campus was the first LEED Platinum-certified school in the country; https://www.usgbc.org/resources/chartwell-school-case-study

Kathy made many strong and lasting memories with her fellow teachers; one fledgling teacher in particular, Brandie Yelland, becoming like a daughter to her. Kathy took Brandie under her wing and taught her the intricacies of teaching dyslexic students at Chartwell. Kathy and Brandie created a Drama Club from the ground up, professionally staging student plays such as “Alice in Wonderland” to great acclaim. Brandie, her husband Sam, and their children, Emerson and Charlie, remained close to Kathy, even visiting from California during her illness.

Kathy enjoyed many evenings at home or on the beach, dining, playing games (Chartwell Jeopardy), and conversing with Chartwell community friends. Every other summer, Kathy and Marc would vacation with Kathy’s in-laws, Louis and Renee, at their cabin on Lac Ouareau in the Quebec Laurentians. Kathy loved to swim in that clear, cool lake.

In 2014, Kathy and Marc moved from Monterey back to Houston to care for their ailing, elderly parents. In 2017, hurricane Harvey ravaged their neighborhood, Willow Meadows, with 250 of 834 houses inundated, including their house. The neighborhood was in disrepair and morale was low. In true Kathy fashion, she volunteered to be the Architectural Control Committee for the local homeowner’s association, which then led her to become treasurer, and eventually president of the Willow Meadows Civic Club, as the HOA is known. Due in large part to her service to the neighborhood, Willows Meadows survived that storm, value intact. The printed neighborhood newsletter produced by Kathy for Willow Meadows was awarded second place in a 2022 national competition sponsored by Neighborhoods-USA.

Additionally, Kathy dedicated some of her time to teach as a Catechist at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Kathleen gave everything and everyone she encountered absolutely one hundred and ten percent of her intellect and her talents to achieve the best good.

In the fall of 2019, having improved the affairs of her neighborhood, Kathy considered returning to the classroom. She walked the few blocks to a private school, Trafton Academy, to discuss her prospects with Inez Hutchins, one of the founders of the school. Before their conversation had ended, Kathy had been offered a teaching position. She taught there until retiring in the summer of 2022.

On March 3, 2024, Kathy had a seizure event while driving on Edloe St. in Houston. Marc rushed her to Methodist Hospital’s nearby emergency room, where the initial diagnosis was “stroke.” Within 4 hours, the team changed their diagnosis to “seizure,” and a battery of tests and procedures began.

April 8, 2024, was Kathy’s final road trip. She was determined to see the solar eclipse in Utopia, Texas, with friends and family, including Cindy Stephens from San Antonio. It was a difficult trip due to her suffering multiple seizures.

On April 15, 2024, Kathy’s diagnosis of brain cancer was confirmed upon receipt of genetic test results from Mayo Clinic. The brain cancer was characterized as both inoperable and terminal, and she was given a 50% chance of living more than one year. Nevertheless, she managed to live her life well up to about three months before her passing.

In addition to the sustaining constancy of her husband and loving visits of friends and family, Kathy was tenderly cared for by Rebecca Pope of Care Innovations, assisted by family and friends. Especially in Kathy’s difficult final months, she and Marc were immeasurably grateful for the blessed relief provided by these compassionate caregivers.

Kathy was the granddaughter of Morton Douglas Willcutts and Marie Barbara Collins, who wed in Solano, California, on May 31, 1929.

Admiral Morton D. Willcutts was a distinguished U.S. Navy surgeon known for his illustrious career. Admiral Willcutts held prestigious positions as the head of U.S. Naval Hospitals in Bethesda, Maryland, and San Diego, California. He is recognized for leading the inquiry into the controversial death of the first U.S. Secretary of Defense, Admiral James V. Forrestal, during his tenure at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Admiral M.D. Willcutts Report, p. 34, 41, 1949, released to the public 2004.

In addition to his medical expertise, Admiral Willcutts performed emergency surgery on Ethel Du Pont, the fiancée of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr., during the Roosevelt administration. His service extended to escorting President Roosevelt, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and their son, Col. James Roosevelt, on a tour of the U.S. Navy Hospital in San Diego in 1944, where he oversaw the care of 9,000 patients, primarily veterans of Pacific war campaigns. Earlier, in 1934, Admiral Willcutts served as the U.S. Navy’s observer in China during the Sino-Japanese War. Later in his career, he became the Chief Medical Officer at San Quentin Federal Prison, a role he fulfilled while residing at 308 Golden Gate Avenue on Belvedere Island, Marin County, California, from 1956 to 1976. Admiral Willcutts is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Kathy was the daughter of Morton Douglas Willcutts Jr., MD, and Alice “Jane” Millet, who later remarried Lamar Jackson, MD. Her mother, stepfather, and her brother John have preceded her in death. Kathy is survived by six of her seven siblings: Michael Willcutts, MD (Karen), Thomas Willcutts, Brian Willcutts (Kate), Sharon Willcutts (Dan Havel), Kevin Willcutts, and Maureen O’Neill (Peter). Kathy cherished her nieces and nephews: Rachel, David, and Hope (Michael); Emerson and Panda (Tom); Gannon (Brian); Olivia (Sharon); Chasah, Joshua, and Rebecca (John); Peter Jr. and Shane (Maureen); Sydney, Connor, and Paige (Jean Michel Béïque); Nicolas and Laurent (Paul Béïque); Liz and Greg (Jeff Jackson); and Mattie and Ella (Andy Jackson). Kathy also leaves behind her devoted husband Marc. She had no children of her own.

So much for the biography. Although it depicts the “where” and “when” of her life, it does not do justice to “how” and “why” Kathy lived. Kathy always had a deep faith and trusted in the Word and Will of the Lord. Kathy truly loved her fellow humanity, and she understood completely the answer to “What would Jesus do?” Unerringly and unflinchingly, she would do what was needed, without discussion or analysis, even if the right course meant discomfort or inconvenience for herself. Kathy was always available and fully utilized the great gift of social graces the Lord had given her. Although she carried many heavy crosses for the Lord, Kathy always had a smile on her face, reflecting her contentment and satisfaction with her lot in life, grounded in the trust of Our Savior.

Marc was the lucky recipient of 46 years of life with Kathy, filled with her love, guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. Kathy was smart, witty, kind, patient, passionate, courageous, generous, considerate, independent, and tenacious. Kathy did her best to teach Marc the ways of her heart every day. Her spirit diffused through every pore of her being; she was radiantly beautiful.

Proverbs 31:28-31 is a fitting tribute to Kathy, the best gift of Marc’s life:

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband, too, praises her:

“Many are the women of proven worth,

but you have excelled them all.”

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;

the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.*

Acclaim her for the work of her hands,

and let her deeds praise her at the City gates.

Notes:

If you have not been mentioned here, it is not because Kathy did not love you. All names could not be mentioned, but you know who you are. You will always have a place in her heart.

Please feel free to post your memories on the website created for her by Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/bellaire-tx/kathleen-beique-12353189

Please feel free to upload a memory and/or a photo that includes Kathleen.

Further updates will also be posted on the funeral home’s website.

Copies of a keepsake remembrance book may be purchased from Earthman Bellaire

PLEASE, NO FLOWERS*** PLEASE, NO FLOWERS*** PLEASE, NO FLOWERS***

Instead of flowers, you may consider a gift to Covenant House Texas:

https://www.covenanthousetx.org/ (please do not donate to covenanthouse.org; they are not the same)

You may indicate in memory of Kathleen; OR you may consider a donation to the church of your choice.

A rosary for Kathleen will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 9900 Stella Link, Houston, Texas 77025. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM. A burial will occur Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Glenwood Cemetery.

Funeral Mass for Kathleen

My dear sisters and brothers,

On behalf of Fr Tom, Chris, Jaime, staff and all the people of Corpus Christi

"I'm so sorry for your loss" of Kathy, Marc. "My deepest sympathy." Please know that I am here for Kathy to offer Mass.

• "Please accept my condolences on the passing of Kathy. My heart aches for you Marc."

• "I was so saddened to hear her loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Marc" "My thoughts go out to you and your family."

• May you find peace with Jesus before the Blessed Sacrament."

My dear sisters and brothers,

According to the book of Wisdom the souls of Kathleen is in the hand of and no torment, affliction, suffering and pain shall touch her She is with God. Her life is ended on earth but she lives with God. She is greatly blessed. Because God .found her worthy of her life. Suffering is seen by the Wisdom author not as a sign of God's displeasure, punishment or curse, but as an experience of purification. As gold in the furnace, Kathleen proved herself, and as sacrificial offerings God took Kathleen to himself.

Kathleen recognized that for those who live and die in Jesus, death is not the end, but it's a change of address to a place far more beautiful than any earthly dwelling, made for us by God in heaven. She believed what we heard, that the faithful when they die are at peace, because grace and mercy are with God's holy ones and his care never abandons his elect. That is what gave Kathleen an unconquerable hope for eternal life.

Psalm 103 proclaimed God's compassion, mercy, and everlasting love, offering comfort and hope Marc who mourns the loss of Kathleen.

The psalm 103 emphasizes God is full of compassion, love, mercy and forgiveness, reminding all of us that God is not harsh in His judgment but is full of mercy. The everlasting nature of God's love and justice, which extends to future generations, providing a sense of continuity and hope beyond the immediate loss.

Psalm 103 acknowledges the transient nature of human life, comparing it to grass that fades and flowers that wither, reminding the mourners of the inevitable reality of death.

So, let us "Bless the Lord, even in the midst of sorrow. God is always with us, even in the darkest of times.

Romans 5:5-11 is a powerful passage about God's love., reconciliation, and the hope that comes from it. It offers comfort and reassurance during a time of grief, reminding us of the joy and peace we have in Christ, even in the face of death.

The passage highlights God's unwavering love, which is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes how we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. It also speaks of the hope that does not disappoint, born from the assurance of God's love and reconciliation.

It encourages us to rejoice in God through Christ, who has given us reconciliation.

"In this time of sorrow, let us remember that God's love for us is boundless and unconditional. It is a love that is poured out into our hearts, even when we are feeling lost and confused."

"Let us not be afraid to rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that Kathy has been reconciled and is loved by Jesus."

John 14:1-6 offers comfort and hope in the face of death of Kathleen, focusing on the promise of eternal life and the assurance that Jesus is the way to the Father.

But when someone close to us, when someone whom we loved so much, when someone who meant so much to us dies, we are deeply hurt and our heart is troubled and we begin to question everything. What is life? Why is death? Where is God? All these questions rise out of our inability to cope up with death. It is in this context the Gospel today comes alive and gives meaning to our death and separation we feel.

It is from the farewell discourse just before the last supper. After this talk and meal Jesus is going to go to the garden of Gethsemane and you know what happened from there. The disciples also knew what was going to happen. This had filled them with great sadness as we experience it today as the death of Kathy. There was a great doom and gloom in the atmosphere in the room.

Friends, these are the same truths that are revealed to us today as we are gathered here to bid farewell to our beloved Kathy. I acknowledge the sadness and loss Katheen felt by those who are her. I Recognize death is a painful experience but, the love and connection that Kathy shared with Marc and others will continue to live on in the memories and hearts of those who loved her.

1. Do not let your hearts be troubled unnecessarily with doubt and fear

2. Trust in God more in these situations.

3. Kathy's going away is not an end of her. It's the beginning of her new innings in her life. She has gone to her true home. There are no doctors in heaven, there are no nurses in heaven and there are no ambulances in heaven. That is heaven. And it is to this place of rest and happiness Kathy is gone. Let us assist her now through our prayers, so that Christ can make up for what is lacking in Kathy's life.

There is a place for Kathleen in heaven, a home prepared for her by Jesus for all eternity. It is an eternal home. What is my Father's House? The temple in Jerusalem is his Father's house John 2. Now there are many Rooms in my Father's house. What is he talking about? Not the temple. It is not going to be, destroyed by the Roman. Heb. 9:23 It is Heaven. Heaven is country because of its vastness, Heaven is city because of its inhabitants, Heaven is called kingdom because of its ruler, Heaven is called paradise because of its beauty, Heaven is called house because it is family, all live in it is built larger and larger. It has many rooms. You do not need a map of heaven because there is only one house.

When Kathleen passed away on 23rd of April 2025 because of a rare brain cancer. She entered the Father's house.

Death evokes different responses in us. In general, our response to death is one of denial. Most men and women live a life of denial of death. That means, if we see someone dying or dead, we think that it is his fate not ours. We try to forget it as soon as possible and get on with life. After all it has not affected me. I am not going to die, not so soon anyway. This is the most common reaction to death. This was my reaction too before my mother died.

Jesus wanted to change that atmosphere. So, Jesus says, "Come on cheer up! Death is not annihilation. It is only the unwise who think like that I am only going away for a better place. I am only going to our true home in heaven. You may live here for 50, 60 70 or even 100 years. But then you have to go; go to your true homeland. You have to go to your true home. If I am going there before you, it is only to prepare you a place. You are going to come there to be with me where I am.

• She lived 68 years of life. We bless God. She was the first born of the 8 children. We bless God. She grew up in California. She was well educated. She gained Master's in Psychology. We bless God. She met Marc at the Rise University and later got married. We bless God. She was a teacher all through her life with a mission of guiding, rescuing and encouraging people. We bless God. She loved natural beauty and went for hiking on weekends. Kathy with Marc by her side made many excursions. Enjoyed many evening at home dining and playing. We bless God. Her life was education, education and education. We bless God. But On April 15th, 2024 Kathy was diagnosed with brain cancer. Kathy was taken care tenderly by Marc and her friends and family. We bless God .......confession experience. We bless God. Marc lived with Kathy 46 years of life, sharing love, guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. We bless God, Kathy has left the legacy of kindness, patient, passionate, generous, courageous and education. Let us continue to live her life. She is heaven. She was and is radiantly beautiful with God. We bless God.

• She is in the presence of Jesus, and in a place of peace and rest.

• Knowing that Kathy is in a place of eternal joy and let us hope one day we all

be will be reunited with her.

• For us Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life to go to heaven and to her. He is

the path to the Father, and He provides the assurance of eternal life.

We pray:

"O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the soul of your departed servant Kathy and release her from all her sins. Hear the prayers of us for Kathy and give her eternal life that she always has desired," May the Soul of Kathy rest in Peace, Amen.

Eulogy for Kathleen W. Béïque

September 15, 1956 - April 23, 2025

Thank you for being here today. Kathy loved every one of you, but I honestly think she would be embarrassed by all the graces you are pouring on her today.

Kathy always had a deep faith and trusted in the Word and Will of the Lord. Kathy truly loved her fellow humanity, and she understood completely the answer to “What would Jesus do?” Without hesitation, she would do what was needed, even if it meant discomfort or inconvenience for herself. Kathy was always available and fully used the great gift of social graces the Lord had given her. Kathy always had a smile on her face, reflecting her contentment and satisfaction with her lot in life, grounded in the trust of Our Savior.

I’d like to share a few small examples with you.

Determination and Tenacity

When I met Kathy, she was working three jobs in addition to carrying her course load at Rice.

She had one of the largest newspaper routes in the city, delivering 300-400 Houston Chronicle newspapers every day. The Sunday papers filled her Dodge sedan to the top of the seats. She would pick up the papers between 3:30 and 4:00 in the morning, and finish around 6:00 am, then off to breakfast and class. Later in the day, she worked as a lifeguard at the Rice pool, managing to work swimming lessons into the mix. At the end of the month, she had enough money to pay the $175 rent for the small 1-bedroom apartment Shakespeare where she lived. (Her brother, Tom, would supplement from his gambling winnings when necessary.) Who works that hard? Many people have, but so did Kathy.

Cooperation:

Early in our relationship, I gave Kathy a “Beique Bucks” box for Christmas. Inside, there were coupons she could redeem for all sorts of stuff, including a backrub, get-out of-chores coupons (for laundry, grocery shopping, housecleaning, and the like), and even a coupon for a new house. Fortunately for me, she never redeemed any of these coupons—not because she did not want or need the items, but because she was patient and kind, and we always worked together to reach our goals. In the end, she received everything she wanted out of that box, including a new house in Monterey. (However, I regret we never took dancing lessons together.) I hope she received more than that box could ever hold during our marriage. I know I did. The box is there at the back of the church if you want to take a look. Who has that generosity of spirit? Kathy did.

Selflessness

Kathy loved the ocean, the light, the salt air, the sound, and the smell. But the Pacific Ocean is cold on the Central California coast, so fortunately she was spared the swimming part. When a job opportunity arose for me in Puerto Rico, Kathy and I discussed the possibilities. Although we knew little about the island, Kathy agreed to this move partly because San Juan is next to the ocean, right? (Now you know the rest of the story.) We either sold or gave away our furniture, appliances, lamps, tables, chairs and all the other big stuff that did not fit in a box. Who agrees to sell everything that doesn’t fit into a medium-sized cardboard box that could be air-freighted by UPS and move 3,000 miles away? Fearless, courageous, and kind Kathy did that.

Considerate

Kathy’s first classroom at Chartwell School was a small closet pressed into service as a classroom. Stuffed between two regular-size classrooms, it had just enough space for about 8 small chairs and a small desk; it had no window. As we worked installing bookshelves and other functional amenities for Kathy, I asked myself “How is this going to work?”

Fast forward to the annual graduation ceremony that the school staged to recognize the student’s achievements. Sitting quietly in the back of the auditorium (borrowed from another school), I was stunned when parents of her students approached me, saying “Thank you for sharing your wife with us. She has helped save our family!”

A few years later, we were invited to dinner at the Pisoni’s in King City, a short 60-mile one-way trip from Chartwell, which their daughter had been attending. At the end of the meal, Jeff asked Kathy if she would like some wine as a thank you. We went to the basement where Jeff gave Kathy a case of unlabeled wine bottles in a white box. Jeff remarked that he had an arrangement with the Smith & Hook vineyard next door; he could harvest some grapes over the fence for his personal use. Turns out, this wine was the best we have ever tasted. The Pisonis now produce some of the finest wines in the area. Who receives praise like this? Who receives a gift like this? Kathy did, deservedly.

Loyalty and Kindness

We moved from Monterey, California to Houston, Texas? Seriously, who does that? Sure, I was between jobs and was tired of the socialist politics in Monterey. But Kathy had a wonderful job at Chartwell School, and we were living in a house on top of Spaghetti Hill that we had designed and built. Kathy, being Kathy, reasoned that her mother, Jane, would soon need more care and attention due to her failing joints and mind. Similarly, my parents in Midland, TX, were aging rapidly, with my Mom already experiencing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Kathy did not want to leave our parents to fate, so we loaded up and moved to Houston. Jane, my mom, and my dad have since passed, but we, along with family members here, did our best to ease that transition for them. Score another one for Kathy, who did that.

Wonder & Admiration:

Kathy was an early riser. One morning, she woke up at Lake Ouareau and rowed out to the middle of the lake to experience its stillness and beauty. She was surprised to see another boat out so early. Kathy remarked, “It has to be a boat—it’s big and moving fast! But wait!-there’s no sound of a motor???” As the “boat” neared, she recognized the huge rack of antlers of a large male moose! Kathy, who did that, was amazed at the power and speed of the animal.

Patience

Another summer, Kathy and I decided to kayak across the lake one calm morning. Nearing the far shore, Kathy tried to land, but the shore was mostly slippery, rocky rubble. She slipped and hurt her thumb. By then, the wind had picked up, and she was faced with the 5-mile paddle back to the cabin. She made it, injured hand, and all. Who else but Kathy?

Later that summer, as she helped me reinstall cabinets in the garage, a 4x4 we were sawing landed on the top of her foot.

So, Kathy went to see a hand specialist, who said she could fix her damaged thumb, and then Dr. Varner, for her foot. After examining her, Dr. Varner said to Kathy: “Let me see if I have this right. You broke your thumb while kayaking with your husband, and you injured your foot while helping your husband in the garage? Kathy nodded “Yes.” Dr. Varner continued, “I’m afraid that I can’t repair your foot, but it should heal itself in a year or two. It seems that your real problem is your husband; maybe you should reconsider him!” Kathy had her broken thumb repaired and patiently remained by my side. Kathy did that.

Love

After receiving an invitation to attend Jack Hauger’s wedding at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Kathy and I planned a road trip around that event in late 2023. After the wedding, we visited friends and family throughout California, including Kathy’s beloved Aunt Diane and Uncle Bill in Mendocino. We bought a “new” (used) vehicle for the trip. Kathy enjoyed the car so much that Kathy drove every inch of the more than 5,000 miles on this trip! Who does that? Kathy did that.

Diminutives

Lambkins, Little One, Baby Lambkins, Little Dear, and Little Bit were affectionate words I often used to address Kathy. These diminutives derived from her physique. Rest assured they had nothing to do with her spirit, heart, and character, which were so large it was a wonder they fit into her small body.

I was the lucky recipient of 46 years of life with Kathy, filled with her love, guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. Kathy was smart, witty, kind, patient, passionate, courageous, generous, considerate, independent, and persistent. Kathy did her best to teach me the ways of her heart every day. Her spirit was the essence of her being; she was intrinsically beautiful.

I will miss her all the days of my life. Until we meet again, Little One! I love you.

Marco