Kathleen Dow

Kathleen Dow—a beloved wife, dedicated mother, and steadfast friend—had a giving heart, a green thumb, and a fighting spirit to her final breath. Born in a small town in England, her adventurous nature led her to British Columbia as a young adult, where she began a brave and independent life. It was in BC that she met her husband, Bill, while working for the government. Thirteen years his senior, Kath’s beauty, warmth, and grace captivated him. The rest was history.

After building their first home in Victoria, BC, Kath and Bill moved to Seattle with their five-year-old son Billy, searching for the right place to put down roots. Kath became a full-time homemaker, raising Billy in her devoted presence and building a joyful, inviting home. A coal miner’s daughter raised in postwar England, she lived frugally but was generous to others—always keeping a well-stocked pantry for guests and even working part-time just to buy herself a car after giving Billy hers.

She found joy in gardening, baking, and volunteering, including helping women undergoing breast cancer treatment through the American Cancer Society, a disease she was first diagnosed with in 1993. Wherever she went, Kath was the life of the party, drawing others in with her warmth and kindness despite never asking for attention.

After Billy left for college, Kath turned her lifelong love of antiquing into a successful reselling business, both online and in a showroom. She and her close friends spent countless days combing thrift shops for unique finds to sell and gift. In the process, she built lasting friendships, collected timeless items, and reinvested her profits into others.

A devoted animal lover, Kath cared for her dogs, Mac and Kam, as tenderly as family—never missing a chance to give them peanut butter Kongs or take them swimming. Her garden was as much for the birds as herself; she tended to her bird bath and feeders faithfully, right to the end. She was also a regular donor to the ASPCA.

Kath passed away on April 27, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends. She fought cancer with the same grace, strength, and English courage that defined her life. Kath is survived by Bill, her husband of 34 years, and her son Billy, both of whom miss her deeply and stayed faithfully by her side, day and night, during her final days.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 21, 2025 at Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Renton, Washington, and will also be streamed online at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25051370262579.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to plant a tree or make a donation to the ASPCA in Kath’s memory and in honor of the natural world and animals she deeply loved.