Kathleen Mae Kreiss

1936 - 2019

Kathleen Mae Kreiss

Born October 27, 1936, to Ralph E. and Alyce C. Garrett, in Belvidere, Illinois. Died November 10, 2019 at the age of 83. Resided in Washington state from 1950 and lived in the Seattle area from 1958.

Preceded in death by her parents, brother Allen E. Garrett, sister-in-law Dorothy, and brother Roger C. Garrett. Survived by daughters Jennifer (Rhonda Ellis) of Seattle and Alison (Rick Stern) of Lost Prairie, Montana. Her daughters and her three grandchildren, Liam Kreiss, Mitra Shafii, Hunter Cronenwett, and Chester Stern were the greatest joy and sources of pride in her life.

The middle child of a family of educators, Kathy was a graduate of W. F. West High School in Chehalis, and Western Washington University, with post-graduate work from the University of Washington. She taught English, speech, and drama for many years in Edmonds school district high schools and at King's schools in Shoreline. She later worked for the Center for Human Services, coordinating support services to families at its Bitter Lake Family Center until its closure in 2003.

A life-long member of Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Edmonds, Kathy served as a teacher, deacon, and elder. In earlier years, she was an officer in the League of Women Voters and was active in Camp Fire. As president of the Snohomish County Foster Parents Association, she was a strong advocate for the rights of children caught up in the foster care system. More than a dozen foster children were part of her family during the 70's, and animals, especially rescued shelter dogs, music, and books were always important in her life.

A memorial at Maplewood Presbyterian Church and a family graveside remembrance at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis will be held at future dates.