Born in Hartford, Wisconsin, Kathleen was the eldest of four children (Francis, Dorothy, and John). She left home and entered the convent at age 14 to get a better education. She graduated from Alverno College, with an English major and Art minor. To her family, she was known as the grammar queen and editor extraordinaire. Whenever her children asked her how to spell a word, she directed them to the unabridged Webster dictionary. Her paintings, charcoal sketches, and carving adorn her family home. She loved to capture people and flowers in her work.
At 21, Kathleen began her teaching career in 1964 with 38 first graders at a Catholic school. She continued to teach various grade levels, from kindergarten to eighth grade in Wisconsin. After moving to Seattle in 1980, she took some time away from education to raise her three children. Later, she substituted and taught at various elementary schools. Kathleen spent her last 16 years of teaching at Coe Elementary School in Queen Anne (Seattle). She devoted over 30 years to teaching children.
She was an active parishioner at St. Peter’s Parish on Beacon Hill, where she sang choir and taught Sunday school.
She is survived by her spouse of more than 40 years, Frank; siblings (Frank, Dottie, John); children: Jennifer (Trey), Stephanie (Steve), Jason (Katie); and 6 grandsons (Jack, Andrew, Evan, Benjamin, Elliott, Cameron).
She will be remembered as a selfless, nurturing, humorous, witty, woman of faith who never gave up on anyone. She impacted the lives of many and will be missed dearly.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Northwest Center or any charity that helps people in need.
~Stephanie, Jason, and Jennifer
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