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A. Gray-Warren Obituary
A brief service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Bean's Cafe, followed at 5 p.m. by a celebration of her love of people, her love of dance and food and wine at the Historic Anchorage Hotel, 330 E St.
Born in Glen Cove, Long Island, N.Y., Alice Kathleen Woods was the chauffeur's daughter on the estate of financier J.P. Morgan until her family moved to California and bought a ranch in the greater Sacramento area.
After working in vocations ranging from secretarial work to cooking to driving logging trucks, she moved to Alaska in early winter 1965 in a Jeep International with four children and everything she owned. She often said that the only reason she stayed was that there was no money to leave. Later she often said that the move to Alaska was the best thing that could have happened to her. It was the land of opportunity.
She worked eight years as the executive assistant to the director of McLaughlin Youth Center while getting her degree in criminology at night at UAA and raising four kids as a single mom. At age 42, Kathy took her oral boards to begin the career that would be her greatest joy, as a patrol officer for 18-plus years at the Anchorage Police Department. Her years of service on the street, and later in the warrants division, led her to volunteer more than 20 years as a board member and sometime acting director of many nonprofit agencies serving the needs of the less fortunate: Bean's Cafe, Victims for Justice, STAR and United Way, to name a few.
Salmon feared her; blueberries and currants trembled on the vine as she approached. As she was Irish, her temper was followed with laughter and she loved to dance. Her travels with her friend Esther Wunnicke took them around the globe.
Officer Gray-Warren is survived by her children, Kathleen Matthews, Marti and Bruce Deruelle, David Kasser, and Brian and Danielle Warren; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
One son and her husband, William Kasser and Kenneth Warren, preceded her in death.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for A. Gray-Warren
Sponsored by David S. Kasser, Son.
Boats
October 7, 2022
Kathy was an officer who was always good for a smile, being forever positive.
BRITTNEY CHECK
January 3, 2013
PLEASE CONTACT ME AS i WOULD LOVE TO TALK WITH THIS FAMILY, ABOUT WHAT A WONDERFUL LADY THIS WAS. I ALSO WOULD LUV DEARLY TO SPEAK TO ANY CHILDREN FROM THE KENNETH WARREN FAMILY. I WOULD LUV TO TELL YOU OF A WONDERFUL DAD I KNEW MANY MANY YEARS AGO. THIS LADY TOOK SUCH GOOD CARE. AWESOME...PLEASE CONTACT ME. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL SOOOOOO VERY MUCH.
Becky Leonard
October 19, 2010
I just returned from a trip out of state and learned of Kathy's passing. My condolences to David, Marti and the rest of the family. I worked with Kathy on patrol and in warrants for many years. I remember her sparkling eyes, quick wit and willingness to jump in when the going got rough. We had a lot of good times, both on and off the job. On one of my trips back there after retiring and moving to Oregon, Kathy and I motored down to Seward where we visited Tom Walker. We had great fun all the way down and back. Good-bye my dear friend. May you find peace, comfort and love in your heavenly abode.
Patricia Gillin
October 19, 2010
To David and family, My deepest sympathy at your loss. You are a credit to a wonderful woman who gave so much and has left a lastingl legacy and example on giving one's self. I know how much you loved her and now will miss her. The Gillins
October 16, 2010
Aa the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine may you continue to feel comfortby the love and support of Family and Friends, As our Family was Blessed to know Kathy as neighbor and friend she will be dearly missed. But now she can be reunited with her beloved Ken. Love and Prayers Frank,Maria,Kenny and Jesse Briggs
Brenda Arney
October 15, 2010
My condolences to Kathy's children and grandchildren.
Working with Kathy at APD was a great pleasure and she will be missed in her community for all she gave of herself.
An inspiration to many, Kathy once told me "if you do volunteer work when you retire, you will not be bored." She was right.
Allison Knox
October 14, 2010
Kathy was wonderful in suggesting me for the Bean's Cafe board. I had the pleasure of knowing her through my good friend Dave as well as during my time with Bean's Cafe. She had a wonderful heart!
Marilyn Bailey
October 14, 2010
Kathy is one of those people you never forget. I worked with her for almost two decades, on patrol and when we chaired committees for Women Police of Alaska. She was endowed with exceptional common sense as well as a sense of the absurd. You could depend on her to respond anytime you asked for help, usually she beat the younger officers to the call. Once she showed up, you knew everything would turn out fine. I never knew anyone who was so attuned to the people we served. She didn't put up with anybody who tried to scam her with a lame story, but she had all the sympathy in the world for 'the lost souls' who crossed our paths. Kathy was an original.
Greg Hansen
October 14, 2010
Its good to have known Kathy and worked with her. We have so few good examples of what we should be as people, especially in the world of policing. God bless you.
David Kasser
October 14, 2010
Thank you Everyone for your many kind words of remembrance. My Mom would be very touched to know she is remembered so fondly.
October 13, 2010
Thank you Kathy for being one of the best neighbors my family could have ever had you where more family than neighbor you will be missed by all.My condolences to your family they are in our prayers,We love you' The Heise Family (Bob,Pat,Robert Jr,John and Zack)
Debbie Redmond
October 13, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Kathy in the Warrant Section. I will always remember when I had my first child she was there in the waiting room. She will be missed. We all loved her!!!! Debbie Redmond
Linda Branchflower
October 13, 2010
Kathy set the example for all the female officers who followed her. She didn't demand respect from others. She didn't have to. She earned it through her kindness, deeds and good work. She never backed down.
I remember as a patrol officer in Mt. View going to calls and looking back and seeing Kathy get out of her car with her ever present night stick. It seemed like she was always there when she was needed.
To her children and grandchildren, God bless you. She will be missed.
Linda Branchflower
Vernon & Joanne Torres
October 13, 2010
There are no words that can express the joy we felt having Kathy for a friend. Her quick wit and smile could carry one for days. I (Joanne) got to know Kathy when we worked at McLaughlin Youth Center. She was like a sister to the two of us and her family became our family. It was our joy when she allowed us to share her children. Marti and David were like our own kids enjoying meals, dog shows, holidays, joys and sorrows.
Kathy demonstrated so much strength through tough times. Her faith was strong and was passed on to her children and grandchildren. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
A good memory is going to Fairbanks to a dog show, hitting a moose and Kathy putting it out of its misery, motorhome breaking down and being together while help arrived, getting out of the cold in a resturant where David served as greeter and waiter, Marti waiting tables and Kathy making fun out of what could have been a stressful time. So many fun times we shared over the years.
To her children (our kids) we offer our love to you at this time of your loss. Your grief can only be considered joy when you know your Mom is finally at peace and rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father. You will be blessed for the years of service you gave to our Kathy. She loved you and the grandchildren so much. You all will be rewarded for your loving care.
God bless all of you. Feel our love always but especially at this time.
Michele Bales-Dodds
October 13, 2010
Kathy you were such a great friend, we had a lot of great adventures. Thank you for letting me be part of your family. To Marti, David, Kate, Bruce and all the grandchildren, I'm sorry for your loss. Kathy will be missed.
Velda Brown
October 13, 2010
Thank You Kathy.
John Daily
October 13, 2010
Thirty years ago Kathy came up to me in the middle of a meltdown I was having during FTO and gave me some kind words and the advice to just do the job as well as I could and remember to have fun, everything else would take care of itself. I've followed that advise as best as I can. I got to share some of her happier moments and unfortunately some of her saddest and thru it all she was always a class act. I'll miss you, but I know that someone is going to have one heck of an angel looking out for them.
October 13, 2010
I was fortunate to know Kathleen while I was an advocate at Victims for Justice. She was incredible. She loved her kids and often spoke of them. My condolences to her family . She led an incredible life.
October 13, 2010
I was so sorry to Hear that kathy had passed on. She was a fighter until the end. I had the oppountinty to work with Kathy several years of my career and enjoyed every minute of it. As a Rookie officer back in the day, I knew I could go to Kathy for Guidance and she would never judge or make any of us new kids on the block feel riduculous for asking a simple question. Kathy was a warrior and I always knew if she was my backup all would be good. She had a way with words that would settle most folks in not so nice situations and we would be able to finish the call and Kathy would have a smile on her face. A few times we had to roll and tumble with a few customers and Kathy was right there in the middle of it. Kathy was truely a pioneer in Law Enforcement in this great State of Alaska, and I am honored that I was lucky enough to work with her and become good friends.
To Kathy's family my deepest condolances go to you all. Thank you for taking care of Mom!
Kathy you now sit with the angels and we all miss you here in this worlld, but we will be together again someday. God Bless.
Sherry Price
Jodi Warnke Benham
October 12, 2010
I met Kathy several years ago in a support group she was leading. She was a very compassionate and caring person.
My prayers are with your family.
Theresa (Terri) Gomes-Dooley
October 12, 2010
I first met you 40 years ago when I went to work at McLaughlin Youth Center. You became my friend almost immediately. Thank you so much for sharing your life with me and being my friend.
To your children I sent my deepest sympathy and love.
Go with God and rest in peace.
Ed Bryant
October 12, 2010
"Mom" was special to so many of us. I am thankful I got to know her. She is missed for now, but we'll get to see her smiling face on the other side!
Michelle Heun
October 12, 2010
When I was a struggling, single Mom working a full-time swing shift at the APD, Kathy trusted me enough to rent one of the duplex units she and Ken had on the east side of Anchorage. I always felt safe and was grateful for her encouragement and confidence during those rough days.
Rob Heun
October 12, 2010
Mom was always there for a big hug and a beautiful smile. Thank you so much for sharing her with us all.
Vince Bancroft
October 12, 2010
Kathy was great to work with at APD and like a "mom" to all the younger officers. You could bend her ear and she always had some whimsical comeback that made you realize it wasn't such a big deal. Gods speed Kathy, it was a pleasure to know you.
Scott Jessen
October 12, 2010
Mom always kept us straight (or tried) always willing and eager to help us out. She will be missed, our prayers are with you all.
Charlie Robertson
October 12, 2010
You were always very nice to me and never treated me like a rookie when I was one. You were always fun to be with and around but all business when it was called for. cr#0690
Russ Boatright
October 12, 2010
You were so well known as "MOM", I'm not sure all of the guys even knew your name was Kathy. You earned your moniker in the best of ways; you were mom to so many. Intense kindness is what you were made of. May you now have peace.
Rick Shell
October 12, 2010
Kathy,
I too knew you as "MOM", and since I was 18 when I was hired at APD, it just felt natural to refer to you as such. Although I grieve for passing, I take solice in the fact that you are now cradled in our fathers arms, and no longer dealing with that dreadful disease.
When we meet again, you can save me a dance...just watch your toes!
Cheryl Gilmour
October 12, 2010
Kathy was a pioneer for women in law enforcement. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and those of APD.
John "Mark" Judd
October 12, 2010
What a lady! Can't count the number of times she had my back. Us young guys called her "mom". My prayers are with the family. I was truly blessed to know her.
Sandi Lee
October 12, 2010
Kathy may you now rest in God's loving arms. You were a great friend and confidant and your smile was contagious. My thoughts and prayers to your immediate family, your APD family and your friends, God Bless, we've got your watch from here.
Rick Potter
October 12, 2010
It was indeed a pleasure knowing and working with you Kathy. May His peace and comfort be with your family.
Gail Luedtke
October 12, 2010
Kathy was an amazing light of goodness, kindness, and compassion.
Gary Apperson
October 12, 2010
God Bless you Kathy and family,
Kathy, we often called you Mom, you were our friend, you were always a bright spot on any give day, we looked up to you, we learned from you, and we loved you very much.
My sincere sympathies and condolences to Kathy's family...
J Ray
October 12, 2010
One of the best among the best at APD...always a smile and a cheerful greeting (unless you were breaking the law!). Condolences to your family Kathy, your memory will stay with us.
Janice Ray
Linda Travers-Inglima
October 12, 2010
God Bless your loving, caring spirit Kathy Gray-Warren as you travel homeward.
Thank you for the years of dedication to our juvenile disorders to becoming a APD parol officer. Thank you for your years of protection.
My heart, prayers and condolences go to your family today. May God Bless you all.
One day, we all will be together again.
October 12, 2010
Marti & Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Bj & Colleen Bjornstad
Lorna-Jean Souza
October 12, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Kathy over the years at APD. She was a fine lady and brought humor and laughter daily! She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are sent to all her family and friends.
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