Mary Kathleen Placentia

MARY KATHLEEN "KATHY" PLACENTIA, age 80, of Medford, Ore., formerly of Portland, Ore. and Orange County, Calif., passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Kathy was born in Chicago, Ill. on December 24, 1943 to Mary Loretta Potter and Edward Stanton Bates. She graduated from Newport Harbor High in Newport Beach, Calif. in 1961 and soon thereafter began working at Fairview State Hospital in Costa Mesa as a psychiatric technician trainee. It was while there that she met her future husband, Charles Ruiz "Charlie" Placentia (dec'd), another trainee in the program. Within a few months, they married and left those jobs to embark upon a new life; children would follow and future plans would evolve over time.

Kathy was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Edward "Tom" Placentia of Portland, Ore. in 2021 and too many relatives and friends to name. She is survived by her son, Patrick Allen "Pat" Placentia of Portland, Ore.; sisters, Sheila Fairman (Bob) of Carson City, Nev., Sally Bottai of Medford, Ore., Joanne Simmons (Mark) of Carlsbad, Calif.; nieces Tina Nassios of San Clemente, Calif., Lisa Falls of Aubrey, Tex., Alicia Suarez of Central Point, Ore., Katie Simmons of San Francisco, Calif. and many extended family members and friends.

Although the marriage didn't last, her connections with the Placentia family continued for years thereafter. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, gardening, and family gatherings. Her two boys brought great joy to her life, and they always maintained a strong bond. Their close friends referred to her as "mom" and sought out advice and comfort over the years. They appreciated her directness and always telling it like it is. She was authentic, not pretentious or frivolous. It was obvious that she was a woman of integrity who had long-held values and principles. Her motto in life that she communicated so clearly was that the right thing to do is always the best thing to do. If she had a legacy, it would be Caring, Sharing, Loving and she demonstrated it to the end. She made a difference in people's lives but never understood or fully considered how much her influence had improved the lives of others. There were surely hardships over the years, but she never stopped showing the world that beautiful smile. Her burdens were hers alone and shouldn't become someone else's so that anything less than a smile would be unacceptable. She was deeply religious and not ashamed to declare her beliefs to anyone who might benefit and was willing to listen, no pressure but an open book. She was a kind soul and a valiant trooper to the end. None of us ever fully appreciate how or to what extent each one of us can have an impact and leave an indelible impression on the people we come into contact with, if only for a moment. For those of us left behind, there is pain and sadness over the loss of this unforgettable woman, softened by the happiness that came with having known and loved her. Always and forever.

Final interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, Calif. with her beloved son, Tom, will take place at a date to be determined by the family.