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Katherine Mae Dempsey
04/28/1951 — 01/04/2006
From West, Richland, WA, US | Born in Devil's Lake, North Dakota
Katherine Mae Dempsey
Katherine Mae Kathy Dempsey passed away peacefully and comfortably in her home on January 4, 2006 in West Richland, WA after fighting a ten-month battle with a brain tumor. She died, as she lived, with class and dignity, in the company of her family and her good friend Ruth Tanner. Kathy was born April 28, 1951 in Devils Lake, North Dakota to parents Joyce and John B. Matheson. She graduated from Langdon High School in 1969 and then went on to graduate from North Dakota State University in 1973. She later worked on her Masters Degree in Botany at Eastern Michigan University.
In 1982, Kathy and her family moved to the Tri-Cities where she spent years making many close friends with whom she shared laughter and tears. Kathy embraced causes she volunteered for, and enjoyed cooking the familys favorite, crafts, and decorating. She was a member of the Stroum Guild, Richland Newcomers Club, Tri-City Woodcarvers, Tri-Cities Tappers and the Mid-Columbia Symphony Guild. Kathy was a gifted artist and a Master Gardener. Everyone she met would at some point be influenced by her ability to create beautiful things whether it was a stained glass window, a floral arrangement, new curtains, or one of her quirky mosaic pieces. Many people were recipients of her generosity and she was constantly in the middle of several projects meant for one friend or another. As her family grew, she had more time for exploring her love of the arts and spent years teaching classes and working on commissioned pieces. Her favorite media was glass and she had recently opened a studio, Yakima River Studio, in Richland where she taught and worked on stained glass and glass mosaic pieces. She led a lively and stimulating life and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Her father, John Black Matheson, preceded her in death. A devoted mother who lovingly cared for her children and family, she is survived by her husband Keith; son Andrew; daughters Erika and Cassandra Forbess; son-in-law Mike; her mother Joyce Matheson; brother John Paul; father-in-law Albert Dempsey; brothers-in-law Brian and Glenn; and sister-in-law Janice Hurt.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday, January 7, 2006 at Central United Protestant Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central United Protestant Church, or to UW Medical Center, Department of Neurology. Hats donated to the Department of Neurology can join those provided by Kathy to aid others similarly afflicted.
Dear Keith and Family,
I will never forget what a beautiful person Kathy was. I loved watching her tend her garden…a place she dearly loved! The peace and serenity she experienced there was understandable to me…since we lived side by side for several years. I thank God for my wonderful memories of her planting and caring for an oasis is the desert…that she made beautiful by her presence. May God draw close to you in this most difficult time. Love in Christ, Pat Harvey
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness. I consider Kathy a friend, as being Ruth’s daughter-in-law brought me across Kathy’s path. We also worked together and I will miss her spirit and artistic ways. She will truely be missed.
Claudine Tanner and family
My deepest sympathy goes out to you in your time of loss. Losing someone close is the hardest thing we ever have to go through, as time goes by we can be blessed by our memories of our loved ones, and be inspired by the lives they led and the love they gave us.
I remember going to the house in high school and Kathy was always in a good mood, I never saw her have a bad day. She was a truly wonderful person with an open smile, a great artist, mother and wife. She was larger than life in personality with a carefree sophistication and it seemed like she could do anything.
I am saddened by your loss and my prayers and hope is with you all.
I’ll always remember Kathy fondly and how nice whe was to me.
-the lawn boy
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Kathy was always a bright spot in our troubled times. Her smile and caring ways were very comforting. We were so glad that we got to see her in December. She will be greatly missed.
Kathy was my dearest and closest friend. I know she is dancing with the angels now. She was beautiful inside and out.
Kathy did have a lot of fun in her lifetime like the time she lived in Paris, France and her Thanksgiving of 2005 on the ocean. I shall miss her.
We loved Kathy like she was our daughter. Our kids alwas had such great times with her when we visited in Langdon and Larimore. She will be remembered as a sweet-lovable daughter, niece, cousin for the rest of our lives.
I will always remember Kathy for her kindness and thoughtfulness. She always made me feel at home when she looked after Moraya and I in our wild teenage years. She was a gentle spirit with an enormously warm heart. I will miss her dearly.
Alex
the Lawn Boy
I have great memories as a kid of visits with Kathy and her kids. They were always filled with laughs. I remember her as being so warm and fun.
Our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of Kathy. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Laura Kavanaugh -cousin
youngest daughter of Audrey Setter Kavanaugh
Dear Keith, Cassandra, Erika, and Andrew,
My thoughts and prayers are most certainly with you at this time.
Grandpa Dempsey
I did not have the pleasure of meeting the wonderful person that is described in the obituary, she truly was a very special woman. I know you will carry fond memories and warm feeling that will be with you always. Keith, you are a fine man that I respect and I wish you comfort and I know you will continue to be the exceptional person you have always been.
Dan O’Connor
My deepest sympothy to Kathy’s family for losing a very precious and beautiful soul. I have many memories of Kathy growing up. Our annual trips to North Dakota always meant a visit to Aunt Joyce and her family. There were so many of us little ones and Kathy always had fun playing with us. I will remember her smile, humor and all the talent she had that I admired so much.
With love, your cousin Maureen and family.
Some folks say that when a person passes on, they are sorry for your “loss”. But the good memories, the warm feelings, and the love shared are never lost. From what others have said, I am sorry I never met Kathy. But I am proud to know you, Keith. Nv-wa-do-he-ya-dv peacebe with you ane your family.
Cecil
Kathy was a freind of mine in High School. She was always such a kind friend and helpful person. She will be missed. I just had lunch with her mother and brother the other day.
Our prayers for strength and peace are with you during your time of loss. May you find comfort in these words, “Weep, but briefly, for your loved ones as they enter into the Kingdom of God, For they shall possess a joy and peace that is unattainable on God’s earthly realm. Rather, rejoice in their everlasting and total happiness ~ For their eyes have seen God!!”
Our paryers are with you in your great loss. Kathy will always be with us in our memories of her.
My deepest sympathy to Kathy’s family. I have very fond memories of her in high school and on through college.
What a beautiful picture and description of Kathy. I am a niece of her mother Joyce’s sister Audrey. I remember Kathy as a little girl. How sad to have her go at such an young age, but what beauty she left the world.
My heartfelt sorrow to you-Cassandra, Erika and Andrew.
I have so many good memories of spending time at your house so many years ago. I remember Kathy helping Cassandra and I pierce our own ears, helping us make our own frosted glass piece, our trip to Seattle, garage sales looking for endless Barbie stuff, her patience and humor… I know she will be deeply missed.
Our hearts & prayers go out to Kathy’s family & friends.
She was “A Class Act”.
We will miss her!
With love,Kim Stock & the Tri-City Tappers
There is no word or phrase to express all that our dear sweet “Miss Kathy” has meant to us. We will miss her so much and can only say, “God bless you my precious friend.”
Keith,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your dear wife and partner in life. Please accept my profound sympathy. May God comfort you and your family through this time of grief.
We spent a week with Kathy and will always remember our good times in Denver.Keith our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and yours.We know you will miss her forever.
Dear Keith and Family,
I will never forget what a beautiful person Kathy was. I loved watching her tend her garden…a place she dearly loved! The peace and serenity she experienced there was understandable to me…since we lived side by side for several years. I thank God for my wonderful memories of her planting and caring for an oasis is the desert…that she made beautiful by her presence. May God draw close to you in this most difficult time. Love in Christ, Pat Harvey
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness. I consider Kathy a friend, as being Ruth’s daughter-in-law brought me across Kathy’s path. We also worked together and I will miss her spirit and artistic ways. She will truely be missed.
Claudine Tanner and family
My deepest sympathy goes out to you in your time of loss. Losing someone close is the hardest thing we ever have to go through, as time goes by we can be blessed by our memories of our loved ones, and be inspired by the lives they led and the love they gave us.
I remember going to the house in high school and Kathy was always in a good mood, I never saw her have a bad day. She was a truly wonderful person with an open smile, a great artist, mother and wife. She was larger than life in personality with a carefree sophistication and it seemed like she could do anything.
I am saddened by your loss and my prayers and hope is with you all.
I’ll always remember Kathy fondly and how nice whe was to me.
-the lawn boy
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Kathy was always a bright spot in our troubled times. Her smile and caring ways were very comforting. We were so glad that we got to see her in December. She will be greatly missed.
Kathy was my dearest and closest friend. I know she is dancing with the angels now. She was beautiful inside and out.
Kathy did have a lot of fun in her lifetime like the time she lived in Paris, France and her Thanksgiving of 2005 on the ocean. I shall miss her.
We loved Kathy like she was our daughter. Our kids alwas had such great times with her when we visited in Langdon and Larimore. She will be remembered as a sweet-lovable daughter, niece, cousin for the rest of our lives.
I will always remember Kathy for her kindness and thoughtfulness. She always made me feel at home when she looked after Moraya and I in our wild teenage years. She was a gentle spirit with an enormously warm heart. I will miss her dearly.
Alex
the Lawn Boy
I have great memories as a kid of visits with Kathy and her kids. They were always filled with laughs. I remember her as being so warm and fun.
Our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of Kathy. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Laura Kavanaugh -cousin
youngest daughter of Audrey Setter Kavanaugh
Dear Keith, Cassandra, Erika, and Andrew,
My thoughts and prayers are most certainly with you at this time.
Grandpa Dempsey
I did not have the pleasure of meeting the wonderful person that is described in the obituary, she truly was a very special woman. I know you will carry fond memories and warm feeling that will be with you always. Keith, you are a fine man that I respect and I wish you comfort and I know you will continue to be the exceptional person you have always been.
Dan O’Connor
My deepest sympothy to Kathy’s family for losing a very precious and beautiful soul. I have many memories of Kathy growing up. Our annual trips to North Dakota always meant a visit to Aunt Joyce and her family. There were so many of us little ones and Kathy always had fun playing with us. I will remember her smile, humor and all the talent she had that I admired so much.
With love, your cousin Maureen and family.
Some folks say that when a person passes on, they are sorry for your “loss”. But the good memories, the warm feelings, and the love shared are never lost. From what others have said, I am sorry I never met Kathy. But I am proud to know you, Keith. Nv-wa-do-he-ya-dv peacebe with you ane your family.
Cecil
Kathy was a freind of mine in High School. She was always such a kind friend and helpful person. She will be missed. I just had lunch with her mother and brother the other day.
Our prayers for strength and peace are with you during your time of loss. May you find comfort in these words, “Weep, but briefly, for your loved ones as they enter into the Kingdom of God, For they shall possess a joy and peace that is unattainable on God’s earthly realm. Rather, rejoice in their everlasting and total happiness ~ For their eyes have seen God!!”
Our paryers are with you in your great loss. Kathy will always be with us in our memories of her.
My deepest sympathy to Kathy’s family. I have very fond memories of her in high school and on through college.
What a beautiful picture and description of Kathy. I am a niece of her mother Joyce’s sister Audrey. I remember Kathy as a little girl. How sad to have her go at such an young age, but what beauty she left the world.
My heartfelt sorrow to you-Cassandra, Erika and Andrew.
I have so many good memories of spending time at your house so many years ago. I remember Kathy helping Cassandra and I pierce our own ears, helping us make our own frosted glass piece, our trip to Seattle, garage sales looking for endless Barbie stuff, her patience and humor… I know she will be deeply missed.
Our hearts & prayers go out to Kathy’s family & friends.
She was “A Class Act”.
We will miss her!
With love,Kim Stock & the Tri-City Tappers
There is no word or phrase to express all that our dear sweet “Miss Kathy” has meant to us. We will miss her so much and can only say, “God bless you my precious friend.”
Keith,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your dear wife and partner in life. Please accept my profound sympathy. May God comfort you and your family through this time of grief.
We spent a week with Kathy and will always remember our good times in Denver.Keith our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and yours.We know you will miss her forever.
You have our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joyce
I just heard the sad news today. Words cannot adequately express our condolences. You are in our prayers.
Al
The light she made on earth will shine even brighter with the Lord.
Keith, I’ve thought of you and your family often in the last few months. I pray that God will comfort you during this time of loss. Life goes on but great memories will remain.
Keith,
May you be comforted during this time through friends and family. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy was a loved and respected person who has left a wonderful impact on everyone she knew. Her talents were admirable! What a great legacy to leave behind! She will be missed by all and forgotten by no one. Live each day to the fullest.
Dear Keith,Sandra,Erika, Andrew and family
Our deepest sympathy and sorrow for the untimely passing of Kathy. Our lives were enriched by many moments shared with her and holding to the many and wonderful memories will help to lessen this painful loss of a great and dearest friend.
Dear Dempsey family,
It’s hard to imagine life without Kathy. She was always a sister and best friend to me. She had a big heart and it continues on in your wonderful family. My sincerest condolences.
cousin/brother Jerry K.
we are truly saddened and want to extend our deepest condolences to Keith, Cassandra, Erika, Andrew and all your family. she was a true lady and our dear friend. we have the best memories of all our good times together in the Tri-cities. our love and prayers are with you.
Keith, you and your family will by in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this time of sorrow.
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Kathy. We are all praying for you at this time when you celebrate the wonderful memories you will always have in your hearts.
Keith,
I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family upon hearing about the death of your wife. May you cherish the many wonderful memories shared by the both of you. God Bless all of You.
Our sympathies and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, I only knew Kathy through you talking of her but she sounds like a special lady and my heart goes out to you and your kids. I wanted you to know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Keith,
My sincerest sympathies to you and your family during this sad time. May you and your family find comfort in each other and in the many wonderful memories you share. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith,
My prayers and thoughts will be with you during this difficult time.
Rose Echols
Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in this most difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family Keith.
Keith, I want to express my sincere sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your wife Kathy. In reading about her life, she was truly a beautiful and extraordinary woman. Im sure your memories of her will inspire and give you comfort now and in the years ahead.
Keith,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of Kathy. My thoughts are with you during this time.
I never met Mrs. Dempsey but reading this memorial to her many gifts and talents, I feel like I would have instantly bonded with her. Her love for her family and friends and passion for giving make me doubly sad that I never met her. My prayers and deepest sympathies are with Keith and the rest of Kathy’s family & friends.
Keith: My heartfelt sympathies are with you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We share your grief in Kathy’s passing. We knew Kathy in high school, and I taught with her mother for 10 years in Langdon.
Keith,
This is never easy, and indeed, it’s not supposed to be. I can only offer my most profound wishes for strength, comfort, and the love of your family and friends in the time ahead. Rejoice in a life well-lived!
Gordon
Keith,
My sincere sympathies to you and your family during this time. We will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
MY beautiful and precious daughter.
I shall miss YOU every day of my life,
Keith, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of great loss.
Keith,
I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the loss of Kathy. May you be comforted during this time through friends and family.
Keith and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
All of us at Heery are thinking of our good friend Keith and his family in this time of need , you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family in this difficult time. We are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Guestbook for
Katherine Mae Dempsey