Kathy Lynn Destefani

Kathy Lynn Destefani
Kathy Lynn Destefani (Lesourd) daughter of Elmo and Evelyn Destefani, born on August 23, 1948 in Bakersfield, CA. peacefully left this life and ended her battle with cancer surrounded with the love and blessings of her family, soul-mate Ernest Brewer, and a New Life Church Minister.
Kathy grew up on the farm in Old River, attended Lakeside Elem., SHS class of '66, Bakersfield J.C. and received her B.S. degree in Education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Her first teaching assignment was Lompoc J.H.S. Kathy went on to fill her life with adventures while also substitute teaching in Central Coast Districts and in El Dorado County.
Kathy and her sons returned to Arroyo Grande in '92 to teach full time K-6 in Santa Maria Bonita School District (most recently Alvin Elem.) until her retirement in 2008. Students saw a special person in Kathy, who worked hard to enrich their school experience.
After retiring, she divided her time between her homes in Arroyo Grande and Placerville. Although she enjoyed her ocean view, her heart belonged to the mountains and peaceful surroundings of Placerville.
Kathy's adventures were short lived when she was diagnosed with cancer in ‘08. All, who knew her were aware of her tenacity, stubborn independence, and her true belief in positive thinking. Kathy chose to stay in her A.G. home, recieving treatment by local doctors, and accepting the challenge of taking a very harsh path of treatment. She lived her positive attitude everyday until her death and because of that she was able to enjoy 2 years of a normal life. She inspired and amazed all with her example of her faith in her doctors and her Lord. She lived everyday as a special gift!
When not gathering a posse of friends, Kathy went on some wild adventures whose stories kept us supplied with lots of laughs. At age 30, she back-packed many months in Europe without an itinerary which scared the wits out of her parents! She checked sky diving off her bucket list on her 40th birthday. When her safari to Africa was canceled because of an "Orange Alert" she went anyway. She flew to Japan to bring in the 2000 New Year only to be too sick with a fever to watch it happen! Anyone who was a passenger in her car knew about her inability to follow a map or allow anyone to help her thus making more humorous memories.
She was compulsive, frugal, a workaholic, creative, and dearly loved by family and friends. She prayed for a quick gentle death in her bed and angels must have been pressing all green lights because it was granted.
Preceding in her death: her dad Elmo, grandparents Souza and Destefani, aunts, uncles, cousin, and her sons' father Jean Marie Lesourd. She is survived by her mother Evelyn, son Nicola and his fiancé Jamie and daughter Ashlyn, son Brodie Lesourd and his sons Bryson and Micah, sister Linda , uncle Melvin , cousins, relatives in Italy and France, her pals, and Seally her cat. Her heart remains with her beloved Ernie. Thank you to his dear mother Margaret for her kindness to Kathy. Kathy's family sends thanks to Dr. Thomas Spillane (S.L.O), Dr. Sheri Marquez (Santa Maria), and their associates and staff. A special hug to Michelle Ellis, Hearst Cancer Resource Center S.L.O. Thank you to the minister from New Life Church for "knowing" that you should arrive a few minutes before Kathy slipped away to comfort her with prayer. A very heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Central Coast and Visiting Angels employees for their guiding hands which aided the family with the gentle care of our Kathy.
A private celebration will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hearst Cancer Resource Center, 1941 Johnson Ave. or Hospice Partners of the Central Coast 277 South St. # R, both San Luis Obispo, CA.