Kathleen "Katie" M. Wilson

Katie was born August 18, 1945 in Seattle, to Frank and Mary Petschl. She was raised in Seattle and attended Holy Names Academy for 12 years. She loved all summers at the family cabin on the beach and throughout her life was most at peace whenever she was at the beach.

She married Ronald Wilson, on February 8, 1969, her best friend, her hero and the love of her life. Together they raised 3 wonderful sons in Yakima, Washington.

Katie was the “Most Famous Receptionist” in history at the Velikanje Moore & Shore law firm during her career there. She was loved by clients and staff alike. Clients would come to visit just Katie---no appointment necessary! She welcomed every person who came through the door with her big smile and intent to make that client’s visit the most important thing that was happening in her life that day.

She was a devout member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Yakima and proud to be a member of Beta Sigma Phi in Yakima, where she built lifelong friendships that continued to her last day.

Katie and Ron started building their dream home for retirement on Camano Island in the early 1990’s. Katie was their very capable general contractor and oversaw every detail of the new house. She and Ron worked tirelessly to completely finish the house themselves, resulting in a beautiful home to enjoy their days boating and hosting family and friends. She cherished the new friendships she made with all her beach neighbors and never tired of watching the sunsets at Camano.

Katie was the poster child for heart transplant patients, having received the gift of life with a new heart in July, 1998, with the help of Dr. Daniel Fishbein, M.D. and his heart transplant team at the University of Washington. Katie never took that gift for granted. She was immediately transformed to a healthy, active life and became a legend at the UW for her focused dedication to the rigors of post-transplant life. She was an inspiration to fellow patients and spoke often to encourage and support others.

Katie was the life of every party and the most compassionate caretaker to all she knew. She kept everyone in the circle of her love and made sure that each and every one always knew how much she cared and that she was there to support them through good times and bad. There was no limit to the love she shared.

Katie is survived by her husband, Ron Wilson of Camano Island, WA, and 2 sons, Tracie (Jim) and his wife Julie of Mattawa, WA and Brian Wilson and his wife, Diane, of Farmington, Connecticut. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, including Amber Wilson, Erinn Boitano, Terrie Terry, Michal Kolb, Andrew and Daniel Wilson, Christopher and Ethan Wilson, plus nine loving nieces and nephews. There are also 7 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her son, Mart A. Wilson in 2014, and by her parents, her brother Frank Petschl, and 2 sisters, Mary Ellen Molloy and Ann Kelly.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Fishbein and all the members of the UW heart transplant team who cared so diligently for Katie for nearly 20 years. Also sincere gratitude to Fieldstone Memory Care in Yakima with all the love and support from Michelle, Shannon, Jessica, Zaundra, and Katie’s numerous daily caretakers. Cottage in the Meadow of Yakima comforted Katie through her final hours.

In lieu of flowers, Katie suggested memorials to L’Arche Tahoma Hope, 12303 - 36th Ave., East, Tacoma, WA 98446 or St. Joseph’s Catholic School, 212 Fourth St., Yakima, WA 98901.

Visitation will be 4:00 – 8:00 pm Thursday, June 23, 2016 with a Vigil Service starting at 5:30 pm at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Friday, June 24th at Holy Family Catholic Church with the committal service at West Hills Memorial Park at 2:30 pm.

To share a memory of Katie, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.

And we close with Love and Prayers (your favorite phrase) dear Katie. God is holding YOU in the palm of His hand.