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Kathryn Joosten Obituary
Joosten, who had battled lung cancer for 11 years, died Saturday at her home in Los Angeles, her publicist Nadine Jolson said.
Joosten "was surrounded by love and humor 'til the end," her family said in a statement. "We are laughing through our tears."
Joosten won two Emmy awards for her portrayal of Mrs. McCluskey, who kept a close eye on her Wisteria Lane neighbors on "Desperate Housewives." The hit show ended its eight-year run on ABC last month with a series finale in which Joosten's character passed away. Her character's battle with cancer was a story line in the show.
Joosten's "Desperate Housewives" co-stars took to Twitter to express their condolences.
"Rest in peace, she was an amazing woman and a wonderful actress," Felicity Huffman wrote.
Brenda Strong said in a tweet: "Wisteria Lane won't be the same without you."
Joosten was a psychiatric nurse and single mother in suburban Chicago when she began her acting career at 42. She wrote on her website that she pursued her childhood dream of acting after getting involved with her hometown theater in Lake Forest, Ill.
She said she received her first break when she was hired to be a street performer at Disney World in Orlando. She worked odd jobs to make ends meet and moved to Hollywood in 1995. She said she landed her first small role within months on the comedy "Family Matters."
Over the years, she found steady work appearing in such popular shows as "Dharma & Greg," ''Ally McBeal" and "Scrubs." She became a familiar face to fans of NBC's "The West Wing" when she appeared as Dolores Landingham, President Jed Bartlet's trusted secretary.
"Some people in Hollywood think of me as a model for dramatic midlife transitions: suburban housewife to Emmy-winning actress," she wrote on her website. "But I never plotted a master plan for following my dreams."
Joosten was an advocate for lung cancer awareness and research and sat on the board of governors for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
She is survived by her sons, Jonathan and Timothy.
Plans for a memorial service were pending.
DAISY NGUYEN, Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Joosten
308 Entries
Derek Murphy
December 27, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
June 6, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..
T Mac Gregor
May 24, 2020
I am a fan binge watching Desperate Housewives. Great actress and an inspiration to all women. You are missed.
June 2, 2017
May you have peace
Earn Paradise!
Terry York II
March 2, 2017
Integrity is watching and learning, and then teaching by example!
What a tremendous teacher in living and in your portrayals.
A Good Life Lived!
What's next, Mrs. Landingham!
Terry L York II
Harry Simpson
June 3, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
Chris Paul
June 16, 2013
She had the power to reach through the television screen to connect with her audience on a level seldom seen. What a gift, what a woman. Vale Kathryn
November 1, 2012
Two careers, who can say that ? Your smile says it all. Thank God we can see you ONCE again on reruns. Your sons are very fortunate to have had you for their mom.
Tabitha Blische
September 26, 2012
Amazing actress, very inspiring will never forget her.... She will be missed..
Iwona Janecka Asamoah
September 25, 2012
We will miss You [*]
You were a fantastic actress:'(
Cindi Verbelun
September 25, 2012
What a wonderful actress Kathryn was. I was in tears when she died on Desperate Housewives. So ironic that she died so soon after the show ended. I wish she had won the Emmy last night, she certainly earned it. RIP Kathryn, you will be missed.
john finnie
August 15, 2012
So sad to have just found out of the passing of This wonderful lady ,My Favourite character in Desperate House wifes i am sure in life she was as wonderful and amusing ,Kind thoughts to your family
Paisley Bryce
August 7, 2012
God bless, you were the funniest character on screen and off from what I can understand, may you rest in peace.
I give my most sincere wishes to her family.
Cristina Michta
July 22, 2012
I am so sorry I just found out about Ms. Joosten's very sad death. God bless you because as everyone has so eloquently said, you were an inspiration and will be missed more than all of these words can say. I am praying for your sons and their families and your friends. Thank you for touching us all! Cristina in Warsaw, Poland
maureen sanchez
July 20, 2012
To Ms. Joosten's sons - wow, your mother was an inspiration to us all! Feisty, hard-working, and in the end the best comedienne we never knew. Sounds like she lived her dash to its fullest. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Mcloskey. You kept me smiling for 8 years! To those who love her, my deepest condolences. I can only imagine the hole in your hearts.
Joseph B
June 28, 2012
Kathryn,
You were the best on Desperate Housewives and when you played on Becker as a forgetful patient you were great too. Too bad you had died on us. You were a great celebrity.
myriam h
June 7, 2012
Thanks for the memories and for sharing Kathryn with the fans. She will be missed.
Gardelle Lewis
June 7, 2012
Kathryn was one of my favorites!!She was one of those rare,naturally "funny" people.I laughed every time that she opened her mouth.My only regret was never meeting her in person.She was beloved by all,and will be missed by many.We thank God for her life,as she was one in a million!
M Milord
June 7, 2012
May the God of comfort be with you in your time of grief.
Roger Bridegroom
June 7, 2012
Rest well, thank you for touching all our lives.
Terri Basile
June 7, 2012
I loved Desperate Housewives and will miss my Sunday night show and all the characters especially Mrs McCluskey....she was a character and and a truly gifted actress and will be missed by all that watched that show!n So sorry for your loss and now she will not have to suffer anymore...may she Rest in Peace!
Nicole
June 7, 2012
So sad. She was the best on the DH show.
ann varner
June 7, 2012
you were a great lady love her on the show she made you laugh at times you will be missed
Elena De Rubeis
June 7, 2012
You had added so much joy to Desperate housewives, I loved your character, you will be truly missed , Every Sunday we were use to having you in our home , sometimes I think I would run into you in our neighbor hood haha Just think how one person can bring so much joy in our lives , I thank you for giving me time to escape my problems for that hour , You must have been so beautiful in real life as you were on the big screen, I just wished I had the chance to meet you in person and sit and talk as if we were neighbors . Now go and take that joy into heaven,but leave some here, we will always have you in our hearts and prayers , GOD BLESS YOU and your family !!!
Sherry Johnson
June 7, 2012
Loved her character on Housewives...I was crying watching her character pass away. Then shocked to learn of her death in real life. May she Rest In Peace and her family know she brought all of us such joy.
Kim Durba
June 6, 2012
Will miss seeing her on tv, she is a great loss. Thankfully she doesnt have to carry on her battle and can now rest in heaven.
June 6, 2012
We are truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
June 6, 2012
she made the housewives .......
Linda Bauer
June 6, 2012
Loved her on West Wing and Desperate Housewives. Best female character actress of our time. Proud to be a fellow Illinoisan.
Linda (Rockford, Il).
Rita
June 6, 2012
Loved her in everything she did. Especially the West Wing. She was awesome. She handled her illness with grace and dignity. Rest in peace Kathryn and thanks for all the great memories I have of you
T B
June 6, 2012
I truly enjoyed her work. The West Wing would not have been the same without her creation of Mrs. Landingham, she made great choices with that character. I also enjoyed her guest appearances on Joan of Arcadia.
Lisa
June 6, 2012
Thank you for the many years of entertainment. You will be missed but now you are on the best journey of your life. Rest in Peace.
Monique van Weeren
June 6, 2012
Kathryn, you made me smile everytime I saw you on the show. Thank you for that. Bless you and rest in peace.
Jean E Keane
June 6, 2012
You were an amazing actress we will miss you dearly
RG Stein
June 6, 2012
I really enjoyed her work as an actress. She always was very believable in whatever role she played. My sympathy to her sons and family. May she rest in peace.
Sharon Eddy
June 6, 2012
She is one person I will truly miss just because of her honest performances. I'm sure she has them laughing upstairs right now.
Cathy Cruthers
June 6, 2012
I recently lost my Mother to lung cancer and I want to thank Kathryn for being such an advocate for this disease. Many believe that it is only a smoker's disease and that is far from the truth. However, if individuals do make a decision to smoke, does that mean they are more deserving of the suffering? Absolutely not. We must work together to find cures for ALL cancers and spare the suffering of those left behind to mourn. Kathryn, you were a jewel. RIP
J Bell
June 6, 2012
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I enjoyed her in Desperate Housewives. She made the show. I'll miss you. May God Bless her sons and family.
S. Charbonneau
June 6, 2012
Kathryn, you showed me that it's never too late to pursue my acting career. Thanks for being true to your dreams!!! You are a treasure to all who witnessed
your art.
C.S
June 6, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with Kathryn dear family.John5:28.
June 6, 2012
Jonathan and Timothy, My condolences to both of you and the family. She will be missed. May your cherised memories of Kathryn bring you great comfort. RO.15:33-May the God who gives peace be with all of you.
M C
June 6, 2012
RIP, Kathryn. Loved your character on DH.
Melissa Hall
June 5, 2012
My condolences to Timothy and Jonathan. Kathryn was one of a kind! She was a great actress and a great person and was my favorite on Desperate Housewives. You will be missed dear sweet lady. Thanks for the memories!
Mardele Sawicki
June 5, 2012
Loved Kathryn on Desperate Housewives. May God Bless your family.
Dory Anderson
June 5, 2012
Please accept my sincerest condolences. If she is anything like she appeared, she's a hero to many of us. I lost my father to lung cancer as well. Many of us will mourn her passing. Peace.
Lillian Stevenson
June 5, 2012
She was a truely amazing woman!!!!
Loved her in Desperate housewives!!!
June 5, 2012
I loved all her characters. She will be very much missed.
Linda Fiumara
June 5, 2012
such a beautiful person..Loved seeing her on TV.. so very sorry for your loss..
Wantagh Housewife
June 5, 2012
Very sorry to hear of Kathryn's passing, I enjoyed her character on Desperate..Rest in Peace.
Rose Mongeur
June 5, 2012
words are hard to find. I never know her as a mother or everday person, But you let Dolores Landingham come in a room and people took notice. I hated to see her leave West Wing.
God Bless and keep you and your sons in his hands. Rose Mongeur [Randolph, VT]
June 5, 2012
You were so delightful...Rest in peace.
Jessie Thomas
Kate Donovan
June 5, 2012
My father died back in 1996 of this dreaded disease. Like many others, I had no idea that the show echoed Karen's personal experience. I am also a 5 year survivor and will pray for the day that we will cure this dreaded disease. Condlences to the family.
Jennifer Goebel
June 5, 2012
I was so saddened to hear of your passing. I loved you on Desperate Housewives, and I was never aware that you were struggling with cancer until the very end. Even though you were the older housewife on the block, you put the humor in the show. I cried like you were my own family on the finale when you died. Your family is in my prayers and may God grant them peace at this time.
June 5, 2012
Rest in peace.
A Desperate Housewives fan from the first episode until the end.
Rebecca Schwab
June 5, 2012
I watched the episodes here and there of Desperate Housewives. Kathryn was a very good actress for her part in the series. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this time.
Gail Siegel
June 5, 2012
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Kathryn Joosten.
I adored Kathryn's portrayal of Karen McClusky on Desperate Housewives and, I must admit, I cried when the character passed. I will admit to crying upon hearing the news of Ms. Joosten's passing.
Rest In Peace, Kathryn Joosten.
Montgomery
June 5, 2012
Loved you on the show.... thanks for the memories, God bless
Toni Johson
June 5, 2012
You will be dearly missed!!! Enjoyed your character all those years :)
carol d
June 5, 2012
So enjoyed you on Desparate Housewives. I cried when you died in the finale, but am so glad to have seen it and that you were able to be apart of such a wonderful show. Rest in peace Kathryn, you will be truly missed. Carol
June 5, 2012
Please know that your mother was a wonderful advocate for lung cancer... As a lung cancer survivor of 5 1/2 years, I truly appreciate her efforts to get LC out there to the public. Thank you!
Antoinette Ponzo
June 5, 2012
Loved Kathryn as Mrs. Landingham. Her dry wit made many a scene. Her real life story is so inspirational to women in midlife. She will be missed by many.
June 5, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Joosten family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
constance echols
June 5, 2012
i'm truly going to miss kathryn,she played her part with words of wisdom that your parent are grandparent would give u.my heart go out to her family and friend she will be miss.
Tanya Papatola
June 5, 2012
As I sit and watch the season reruns of Desperate Housewives, I am saddened to hear about the loss of such a wonderful actress. I cried during the season finale and now I cry in real life. May you now rest in peace, forever and ever, Amen.
Patti
June 5, 2012
Such a funny and great lady, I am sure she will be missed by many.
Jean Davis
June 5, 2012
Always enjoyed WL and you. Will miss both. Rest in peace lovely lady..
John & Jill Gordon
June 5, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a wonderful actress.
Scarlett Erwin
June 5, 2012
we enjoyed you so much on DH, when you were on screen, we were assured of a good laugh too. You will be missed.
June 5, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Wiseria Lane will never be the same. I looked forward in watching you all of the time. May God bless you...You are his "Special Actress" in Heaven. Sandra Slater Louisville Ky.
Carol Lin
June 5, 2012
A fascinating & talented actress. She made it look ez!
T
June 5, 2012
RIP beloved actress
Ann Marie Ezzo
June 4, 2012
I would like to send my condolence's to Kathy's son's, family & friends. When I watched the Desperate Housewives, I was like boy that Mrs Mc Closky sure is a nosey and mean woman but you know she was a fantastic actor when you are believing the part she was playing. I saw her on the Bold & The Beautiful with Stephanie about cancer. The last show the writer did her justice by having her confess to Gaby's step fathers murder, but when Bree got the call at the wedding, I cried so much. My mother in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer on October 9th was told she had 3 to 6 months and left us exactly 2 weeks to the day later. She never smoked a day in her life. I was concerned for her health on the last show because you could tell she was frail. I hope that Kathy was able to leave this world as peaceful as she did on the show. She will be greatly missed. God Bless her soul. To her son's THANK YOU for sharing her with us!
Pamela Bryant
June 4, 2012
To Kathryn, thank you for sharing your life with us. Job well done! Godspeed dear lady. To her sons and loved ones, I wish you comfort and peace as you adjust in this sad time. God bless you all.
Paula B
June 4, 2012
When I heard about the passing of Kathryn, one of my first thoughts was about the incredible courage it must have taken not only as an actress but more importantly as a woman fighting her own cancer battle to act out her character's death on TV. I can only imagine how blessed her family must feel to have been apart of this woman's life. I can also only imagine the depth of their grief at this time. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I only wish I too had known Kathryn. I am sure it would have only increased the respect and admiration I feel towards her. I enjoyed watching her on Desperate Housewives. Thanks for the memories!! Rest in Love and Peace.
pat danoe
June 4, 2012
Kathy and I were in the League of Women Voters in Lake Forest, Il. Her son Jonathan and my son, Brian were in grade school together. I remember how we used to tool around Lake Forest in her old jeep (I felt like it was WWII vintage). She was so different from the usual materialistic image concerned Lake Forest woman. Pat Danloe
Phyllis Maxwell
June 4, 2012
Loved her on Desperate Housewives! Rest in peace.
Lisa
June 4, 2012
Your beautiful smile and personality will be missed!
Donna Artist
June 4, 2012
Wow how ironic the last episode u pass away.I loved your roll in Desperate housewives.
Rest in peace Kathryn.
caroline stewart
June 4, 2012
I really enjoyed watching her and she will be missed.
June 4, 2012
Couldn't believe she WAS actually dieing on that last episode. What a wonderful actress and special person. My sympathy to her family. Janice, Rockford, Illinois
Charnice Supper
June 4, 2012
To the family&friends of Kathy I send my deepest sympathy. I had the privlege of meeting her when she lived next door to my cousin Jim. She was a wonderful,kind & caring friend to my cousin. She will be sorely missed by all......Charnice Supper
Delia Ramirez
June 4, 2012
You were an outstanding and loveable actress adored by many audiences. May your memory and legacy live on through your sons. May our LORD grant enteral rest on to you.
donna kay reed
June 4, 2012
Your the best,and you will be missed!!!
Marsha Kelley
June 4, 2012
You were an amazing actress we will miss you dearly
FRAN POLATAJKO
June 4, 2012
SO SAD TO HEAR OF YOUR MOM'S PASSING SHE WAS A KICK ON DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES,I'M SURE SHE IS ENTERTAINING IN HEAVEN RIP KAREN YOU WILL B MISSED
Jamie Lark
June 4, 2012
Thank you for allowing your battle with Lung Cancer to be used as part of your story line on Desperate Housewives. Sorry you lost your long battle but glad that you were active in discussing such a horrible disease which also took the life of my Mom. I'm sure that you are no longer suffering and in a better place and will be missed by so many. Thank you for entertaining us.
Shirley Scarlett
June 4, 2012
RIP
June 4, 2012
Rest in peace Kathryn. The world will miss a very talented entertainer.
Maria, Cumberland RI
Linda
June 4, 2012
What a talented lady! I loved her on Desperate Housewives when she was on with Lilly Tomlin. What a pair! She will be greatly missed.
Lorinda Collins
June 4, 2012
Rest in Peace Kathryn, you will be missed, I loved watching you on Desperate Housewives. Praying for all of you.
De
June 4, 2012
Rest in peace
Judith Sondles
June 4, 2012
I was a real fan while she was in West Wing and
was thrilled when I saw her again on Desperate
Housewives. I was so sorry to hear of her loss.
God Bless her and her family. She will be missed. Judi ( Wadsworth, OH)
dana wallen
June 4, 2012
She will be missed by all and I loved her on my favorite show desperate housewifes.
She was great and will be missed
My deepest heartfelt condolences on the loss and may her memory be a blessing
June 4, 2012
God Bless...I loved her character on DH...she will be missed...Chris, New Jersey
Brenda F.
June 4, 2012
She was an awesome actress!!! Wonderful on Derserate Housewives. I missed several episeodes and didn't realize she was really sick. A genuine actress, and will greatly be missed.
Dee Mayer
June 4, 2012
Rest in Peace Kathryn. You were a part of my family through marraige I have never had the opportunity to meet you in person. However your son has become a wonderful part of our family and I thank you for raising such a good man to be there for my cousin. I have been a fan of yours for years and only wish I could have met you in person. Your family has always spoken very highly of you and believe me you will be missed by so many people. Rest in peace Mrs. Joosten - you are truly an inspiration to all of us single mothers nowing there must be more to life than the daily 9-5 job :) Thank you for making us all laugh - your work has touched millions of people
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