Kathleen Ann Kasley

Kathy Kasley passed peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2023 in her home at age 76, after a long battle with cancer. Her strength of will and stubborn resolve carried her through years of difficult treatment, and she faced it bravely and with hope.

She is survived by her son, Ian, who was by her side supporting her throughout her illness. Born in Chicago, IL, she was the eldest of four siblings: the late Robert Phillips (Nancy Turner), Michael Phillips (Cindy Buss), and Susan Phillips (Henry Lotsof). She was also the fond daughter-in-law of Maria Kasley (late Ewald), and sister-in-law of Robert Kasley (late Kim), Paul Kasley (Marita), Anne Moran (Walter), and Edward Kasley; beloved cousin of Amy Cannon, Holly Settles, Wally Phillips, Beverly Parypinski, Jerry Wentzel; and favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews .

Kathy lived a life of travel and adventure, with her late husband John. Married in 1967 while he was in the Navy, they lived in a variety of locations, settling in the East Bay area near San Francisco during his last commission where Ian was born. John’s subsequent employment with Chevron later took them to the New Orleans area, to Houston, back to California, and to Singapore. They then retired to Williamsburg in 2004. Business and leisure travel took them literally around the world, visiting countries on 6 of the 7 continents.

Kathy worked throughout her life at a variety of jobs, including at Chevron. She was most proud of her position as an early childhood educator at La Casita Bilingue Montessori School in California, and in retirement as a US Water Fitness and American Arthritis Foundation certified water exercise instructor, and MHTP (Music for Healing and Transition) Certified Music Practitioner – Harp and Voice. She volunteered at Sentara Hospital and Hospice House of Williamsburg, where her harp playing provided comfort to the ill and infirm.

On learning of her Scottish ancestry in adulthood, she embraced her roots and was active in the Saint Andrew’s Society of Williamsburg. Kathy loved to sew, quilt, and craft in her leisure time and had an eye for color and pattern. She is remembered as thoughtful and creative, always with an unusual surprise or gift, always beautifully wrapped, delighting the receiver.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA.