Kathleen Kae Burinskas

Kathy Burinskas (Klaahsen)

Kathy Burinskas (Klaahsen), beloved mother to Jennifer and proud grandmother to JJ and Jordan, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, surrounded by family in Encinitas, California — in the same hospital where her granddaughter was born, a place that symbolized both beginnings and endings for her family.

Kathy began her journey on the long and winding road in George, Iowa. In 1978, she moved to San Diego with her daughter Jennifer in search of sunny skies and new dreams. Leaving behind her snow shovel for a sand shovel was, in her words, “the best decision she ever made.”

A lifelong Beatles fan, Kathy’s passion led her to Liverpool during a family trip, where she proudly walked Penny Lane and imagined herself in the crowd at the Cavern Club.

In 1984, she carried the Olympic flame as part of the torch relay for the Los Angeles Games. She cherished her moment in the spotlight and delighted in sharing stories of that day — along with the torch itself — for the next four decades. Kathy loved to point out that her claim to fame happened on 13 July 1984, at 1300 hours, exactly 13 miles outside of Reno, Nevada — a perfect trio of 13s she considered her lucky charm.

Kathy found joy and peace at the beach, especially near the Carlsbad tree. She loved the sound of the ocean and could spend hours reading by the shore, proving you don’t need a surfboard to truly appreciate the sea. Watching sunsets together at Carlsbad beach became one of the family’s most treasured traditions.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy—and her favorite reason for generous spoiling since, as she liked to say, “You can’t take it with you.” Whether it was buying baseball tickets for JJ to watch the Dodgers or concert tickets for Jordan to see her favorite K-pop bands, she loved nothing more than creating special memories with them.

Later in life, Kathy discovered a new passion for K-pop, BTS to be specific, and K-dramas. She quickly became a superfan, proving you’re never too old to debate who your bias is or stay up late binging just one more episode. Her most recent favorite song was “Permission to Dance,” which she said could brighten even the darkest days.

Above all, Kathy loved the San Diego Zoo more than most people love their pets. She never missed a chance to visit the Zoo or the Wild Animal Park (as she insisted on calling it). She could share more fun facts about cheetahs and okapis than your average tour guide — a testament to her curiosity and love of learning.

Kathy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Jose of Northern California and her two grandchildren, JJ and Jordan. She also leaves behind extended family and many friends who will miss her dearly.

In true Kathy fashion, we won’t make a fuss. Her long and winding road has led us back to the beach, and we’ll share details for a gathering at her favorite spot when plans are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in memory of Kathy Burinskas. Contributions can be made online at sdzwa.org/memorial or mailed to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112. Kathy would have wanted the okapis—Jordan’s favorites—to get a few extra snacks in her honor. Fun fact: Okapis have tongues so long they can lick their own ears, something Kathy loved sharing with her granddaughter.