Kathrine Helen Spencer

KATHRINE HELEN SPENCER "KAY", of Gold River, California, passed away on Tuesday December 2, 2014. Kay was born on September 3, 1924, in Seattle, Washington to John M. and Emmy Johnsen. Kay lived in Seattle with her family and graduated from Ballard High School in 1942. After graduation, she moved to Oakland, California, to work. While there, she met the love of her life John Frederick Spencer. John and Kay married on November 3, 1945 in Seattle. John's duties with the United States Navy took them all over the country including two assignments in Pensacola, Florida. During each assignment Kay gave birth to a son: Gordon in 1949 and Ken in 1956. After retiring from the Navy in 1961, the family settled in Rancho Cordova, Ca. Kay obtained her Realtor's License and quickly became a million dollar producer during the late 60's and 70's. She was a multiple recipient of the Realtor of the Year award at Cordova Realty. Kay was actively involved in numerous organizations including: PTA, Lazy Loafers (an RV travel group), Red Hat Ladies and was a charter member of the Cordova Garden Club. Kay and John traveled extensively and enjoyed their winter home in Arizona for many years. For three decades Kay organized week-long Thanksgiving celebrations for the entire family, which included several cruises and multiple trips to Mexico, Hawaii, and Coronado Beach. Even when the family grew to 14 people she loved arranging all the details and enjoying the holiday with her loved ones. Celebrating 90 years in September, Kay was surprised by her family with a party to mark the event. Additionally, Kay was honored by over 30 friends and family at a Ladies Luncheon. Kay's love, generosity and enthusiasm for life will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Kay was preceded in death by her loving husband, John, in 2007. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Guyot, sons Gordon (Sue) Spencer and Ken Spencer; grandsons Ryan (Sunny) Spencer, Nathan (Karen) Spencer, and Eric Spencer. Kay was known as "GG" to her great- grandchildren Kayleigh, William, Jonathan, Allison, and Graysen. There will be a memorial service at Mount Vernon Memorial Park on Saturday December 13 at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent in her name to Shriner's Hospitals.