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BORN
1945
DIED
2020
Katharine Kenniston Obituary
December 4, 1945 - February 18, 2020
San Diego - Katharine Faulconer Kenniston, 74, died in the loving arms of her devoted husband on February 18, 2020, in the presence and spirit of her adoring family. Katharine was born in San Diego, California, on December 4, 1945, to Thomas and Barbara Faulconer.
She grew up in Rancho Sante Fe and Point Loma, where she developed a love of horses and successfully participated in equestrian competitions. She was also a member of the ZLAC Rowing Club, the oldest women's rowing club in the world.
When working at the Balboa Park Museum of Man, Katharine met and fell in love with her husband of 53 years, Salvador "Boogie" Kenniston, who fondly called her "Goose" in admiration of her walk. Together, they raised three daughters in Pacific Beach and Lakeside, California, and ultimately retired to Bullhead City, Arizona. Kitten, as she was nicknamed by her grandfather, was the type of person who selflessly cared for others her entire life.
An amazing mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, she always put the needs of her family and friends first. As an apartment owner, Kitten positively impacted many tenants' lives with her kindness and compassion. And without hesitation, she wholeheartedly cared for her aging father and stepmother, Lillian Faulconer, until their passing. She enjoyed a variety of arts and crafts, including sewing for her family and making blankets for those she loved and those in need. In later years, Kitten endured a tragic accident, which left her disabled. She always rose above her physical ailments to be there for her husband and her family, setting a wonderful example of pure love, grace, and perseverance.
Kitten is survived by her husband, Salvador Kenniston; her three daughters, Heidi Kenniston-Lee, Tamara LeDay, and Angela Sheppard; her nephew, Curtis Milyard, seven grandchildren to which she was the very best "Grandma," and her nephew's children, to which she was lovingly known as "Memaw." She was preceded in death by her sisters, Ann Milyard, and Marion "Mitzi" Gunter. Kitten's beautiful and generous spirit lives on in all whose lives and hearts she touched. There are no plans for a memorial service. Instead, we ask that you share your memories of Kitten online and to be as good to others as she was to you.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Katharine Kenniston
Tamara LeDay
January 17, 2021
Momma... take care of Daddy. You can now both rest easily holding hands (as always s) and fish in God Ocean worry f love .. walk along the beaches of serenity... and know we will all see you again. It’s not gonna odbyr to you both... it’s just take care for f each other on Neil we can all be together here again in love, peace, and light. I love you Momma and Daddy ❤ & ❤
Katie Zolezzi
January 16, 2021
I was in shock to hear about my buddy "Kitten." We were sandbox buddies and grew up across the street from each other in Point Loma, San Diego, CA. We went all through school together and I feel like I lost not only a friend but a sister, which I never had. Since we both had the same name (Katharine and I am Katherine) we drove our teachers nuts. Fortunately - since our nick names were Kitten and Katie - that helped. =) Kitten will be dearly missed and forever loved for her caring nature and love of others. May GOD bless and keep her (and now Sal) in his heavenly palace, as they rest together now. Love and best wishes sent to the family. (Katie Sullivan Zolezzi)
Barbara Todd
May 4, 2020
She and Sal were terrific landlords. My family and I lived at the Ballantyne Apartments for 17 years..Great lady!
Kelly Woltmon
March 6, 2020
As a friend of her daughter, I always enjoyed talking to her at the grandkids birthday and graduation parties. She truly was a loving and very supportive grandma and mom!She had so much love for her family!
She made me feel very special when I was pregnant and gave me one of her hand made blankets with matching pillows for my daughter (which she loves). Thank you!
I know your family will miss you greatly but will cherish the memories you have made with them.
You are my strength! You instilled my morals and whatever bravery I carry. YOU WERE EVERYTHING I WILL CARRY ON. FOR YOU.
Tamara LeDay
March 5, 2020
I carry you in my heart. I see you every time I look in the mirror. You were the glue that kept us pieced together. Our collective pain now leads us on different paths .. I now begrudgingly understand a little more of life and loss. YOU are the reason I was so brave, doing things I could never have done without the strength YOU instilled in us all. You raised three very strong women. We are your legacy , along with the beautiful and ALL successful strong grandchildren...I LOVE YOU MUCHO MEGA INFINITY. It would be futile to attempt to put into words your affect on us all and impossible to illiterate all you gave us. We can only hope to find a way to live your last wish and be the beacons of love and strength for each other you asked. I love you momma. I carry you with me always. MMI
Carol Tilley
March 5, 2020
Kitten became a part of my family when Tom and Lil married. Lilian was from a large, loving family and their marriage gave her a family of her own. She was my favorite aunt and we spoke often. It was several years before I met the "Kitten" she always spoke about. I could tell from our conversations that Lil absolutely adored her and what a delightful person I found Kitten to be when we finally met. I loved and appreciated the fact that she took such loving care of Lil since I lived so far away. We e-mailed often until she had a bad fall and lost touch after they moved. I treasure the memory of a back yard gathering at Lil's where we had a great visit and I was able to tell Kitten that I loved and appreciated her so much for taking such great care of Aunt Lil. The thing I remember most about her was her sense of humor -- a quality I value in those I care about. We spoke on the phone in the weeks just before Aunt Lil passed away. I send my love and deepest sympathy for your loss. I will carry her memory in my heart and in my prayers.
Carol Tilley
March 5, 2020
I will remember Kitten for her love and great care of my favorite aunt, Lil Faulconer. The last time I saw Kitten was at a family get together in Lil's back yard. We had a great visit! I had the chance before she left that day to give Kitten a hug and tell her I loved and appreciated her. My entire family was aware of Kitten's continual loving attention to Aunt Lil. I spoke with Lil often and on each conversation she mentioned Kitten. She absolutely adored her. I was in contact with Kitten until they moved and I am sad that our e-email connection didn't continue. The thing I remember most about Kitten was her sense of humor. That's a quality I always appreciate in anyone. We spoke on the phone several times before Lil passed away. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the family and her friends. Being married to Tom brought Lil a family she truly enjoyed being a part of. I will carry Kitten's memory in my heart and remember her in my prayers. Love, Carol Tilley
"Three Times A Lady" Their song
Angela Sheppard
March 3, 2020
For My Mom:
My whole life you have been there for me. You were always my biggest supporter in everything I did! You gave everything and asked for nothing back. You set a wonderful example, not only for me, but for all your grandchildren as well. (If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be here!) My moms favorite saying!
I was truly BLESSED to have you as my Mom. There is not enough space on a piece of paper to tell the world just how wonderful of a person you were and how truly missed you will be! So I will just say.
THANK YOU MOM for everything!
I LOVE YOU INFINITY, Angie
Carl Rumley
March 2, 2020
My sincere condolences to each and every member of Kitten's family on her passing. I first met Kitten in 1967 when her cousin Margot and I became a couple and she participated in our wedding in 1968. Even though Canada has been our home since 1969, Kitten and Margot remained in close contact through the years. She was clearly an amazing person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
March 1, 2020
This is Dan Kronemyer. I knew Kitten for many, many years. Everything that was said about her in her Obituary is absolutely true. She was, indeed, a "person who selflessly cared for others her entire life." It was a privilege for me to know her. She is a role model as a sister, parent and grandparent. I should add, I was very sorry to learn about the accident she suffered, especially one that left her disabled. I am sure she rose above it, as her Obituary said. In short, she will truly be missed. Yes, all we can do is to be to good to others as she was to you. Sal, Heidi, Tamara, Angela and Deuce, as well as Ann and Mitzi, you are in my family's thoughts and prayers.
Heidi Kenniston-Lee
March 1, 2020
My Dearest Mother and Best Friend Forever -
Words can never thank you enough for the sacrifice, the guidance, the support, the joy and the purest of love. You will continue to be a bright and loving light in so many lives here on earth. Be at peace among your loved ones and guide us from above. We will forever celebrate you and follow the wonderful example you have set for us all.
With All My Love, Heidi
Amy Paradowski McCoy
March 1, 2020
We miss and love you Kitten.
You were an incredibly strong,sensible (I can hear you laughing at this even though you know its true!), straightforwards woman with a heart of gold. I have many memories of growing up next door to you and many memories of you coming over to my dads when we came to visit with our own children. My children loved your Koi pond and loved coming over to see you and Sal. We love you.
Mark Leday
March 1, 2020
I always knew looking back on the tears I would laugh. But I never knew looking back on the laughs, I would cry.
Rest In Peace the worlds best scrabble adversary.
I love you.
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