Kathryn Jean Anderson

Kay passed away on Sunday, December 21st at the age of 87 with her eldest daughter by her side. Kay (known by many as Flitter) was born on July 27th, 1927 and was raised in Seattle by her parents Reza and Clinton Fleetwood. Kay graduated from the UW and began as a speech and hearing therapist. Kay went on to enjoy a rewarding career in early childhood education where she helped many to become better educators and parents. Kay and her sister Mary Anne lived in Sun Valley as young women and raced for the Sun Valley Ski Team. After the war, she travelled to Stuttgart Germany where she worked in an officer's club and travelled abroad. After returning from Europe, she met her husband Harris Anderson and they were married on February 14th, 1956. They raised three daughters in their beautiful lakefront home in Bellevue. Kay was a compassionate and devoted advocate of animals and the Anderson household served as home for many abandoned stray pets and wild creatures in need. Kay was a talented and active gardener. Her love and knowledge of roses was widely known and admired. She was very proud of her role in establishing girls' team sports within the Bellevue school district. Her efforts changed the lives of many young girls allowing them to benefit and grow from lessons learned in participating in these cooperative and competitive events. Kay and Harris enjoyed years of boating on beautiful Lake WA and Puget Sound. They also appreciated a good game of bridge. Kay loved to hike in the mountains and Mt. Rainier was her favorite place to be. Hiking was a passion and one that she pursued through the fall of 2014! Kay was not easily swayed from what she thought was right and her passion and commitment were contagious. Kay had a feisty and fun spirit and left an impression on all she met.

She will be greatly missed.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Harris and beloved sisters, Mary Ann Addington and Shirley Patterson. She is survived by daughters Melene Thompson and son-in-law Jim, Julia Anderson, Gwen Anderson and daughter-in-law Alison and grandsons Chandler, Shane and Evan Thompson, and granddaughter Alexa Anderson.

A celebration of her life was held on Sunday, February 8th, at Robinswood House: 2430 148th Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98007-6449. In lieu of flowers, Kay would be honored if you would make a donation in her name to The Seattle Humane Society www.seattlehumane.org or (425) 641-0080. For any other inquiries, please contact Gwen at 206-915-5432.