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Kathryn Stephenson Obituary
San Diego, CA - The most joyful spirit, Kathryn Cottam Stephenson, age 39, passed away July 7th, 2023 in San Diego, CA. She was incredibly talented in art and business and possessed an infectious enthusiasm for life, love and service. Our favorite wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend will be truly missed. Kathryn is survived by her husband, Robert Cottam Stephenson; parents, Spencer and Mary Cottam; seven siblings; Corinn (Scott Pryor) Cottam Sebaske, Matthew (Linda) Cottam, Russell (Summer) Cottam, Jennifer Cottam, Tara (Frank) Colson, Bryant (Randale) Cottam, Jordan (Jane) Cottam; 44 nieces and nephews, 1 great niece and her spunky dog Flynn. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmy Martin and brother-in-law, James Sebaske.
Kat was born October 30th 1983 in Houston Texas and graduated from Brighton High School where she excelled in art and drama. She was a renowned artist known for painting iconic pop references and geeky or funny characters into landscape art. Kat also had a talent for bringing joy to rooms through painted murals and capturing the spirit of individuals through hand-painted portraits. Her work was featured on TV, in magazines and at popular festivals all over the country. She created and built her own successful media, art and cleaning businesses.
Kat had an incredible joy for life and was always happily helping others with her amazing decorating, organizing and cleaning skills. She was adored by her husband, parents, siblings, many nieces and nephews and all who knew her. We will miss her smiling, laughing, singing and high kicks! Our loss is tremendous without our talented, exciting, loving and truly amazing Kat!
A celebration of life is scheduled for 5:30 pm on July 21st at 11570 Wasatch Blvd, Sandy, UT 84092. Streaming will also be available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj9ePS6pyUOvJox9Uh7lmdA/live
Kat's art can be viewed at: http://www.katmartinartist.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Stephenson
Marlon Aguilar Galdamez
September 2, 2024
I knew her for a very little time and even from the small moments we shared, I still think about her all the time and that part of her will live with me forever. it makes me sad i never got the chance to grow my relationship with her but it gives me great honor that im doing my part in keeping a part of her alive past death.
Lisa Woodbury
July 21, 2023
Dear Cottam and Stephenson Families,
I am so sorry for your loss! Kat was an amazing person and she will be missed! Her energy, kindness, joy were contagious! She always made me laugh every time I saw her.
Phoenix Ostermann
July 21, 2023
My heart is so heavy just learning of Kat´s death. She and I were adorable art rivals for years in a way - she and I battling to find the best DI art backdrops for her painted creations and my collaged ones. She also helped me BIG TIME when I bought a rental property and I couldn´t get it ready to rent by myself- Kat swooped in with some mean elbow grease and made the house so beautiful- I was so grateful. I just cannot believe her energy is no longer lighting up the world like it did. I am so sorry for all of her family having to make sense of all of this. Sending big love.
Danielle Powers
July 20, 2023
Kat was magical to know and love. She was the life of every gathering, and a joy for me and my family to know over the years. She was a pillar of the geek and art communities here in Utah and I'll always be grateful for all her advice as I was getting started in the artist alley scene. I will miss her infectious energy and joy, as we all will.
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Don Lund
July 19, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Kat's passing. Far too young. Our sincere sympathy.
Don & Lorelei Lund
Jill
July 15, 2023
Kat was pure joy personified. Her laugh and smile were contagious and a hole is left where she should be. I will miss her always!!
Mary Cottam
July 13, 2023
Kathryn was the light in my life. She always treated me with so much love and always showered me with gifts and kindness. She truly showed me such deep love!
Kat was so full of spirit and talent, and blessed so many with her incredible art and service. Her service went beyond the norm by seeing the need and worked to help: nieces and nephews have such fun with her organizing and planning art parties, pool parties, the parks the activities were endless, be so fun but come to their level and connect. She built me up endlessly, even 2 days before passing, called up and sang with all her joy and exuberance "Good Morning, Good Morning, the best to you each morning!" with the grandkids there. I and so many others benefited from her incredible acts of service, kindness, fun, and love. So many treasured memories - wanting to be a better, more giving person from her example. Love you eternally Kat, my baby girl.
Dan and Alexandra Woolley
July 13, 2023
Spencer and Mary,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss; we are praying for your peace and comfort.
Sending you love,
Dan and Alexandra Woolley
Jennifer Oberdorf
July 13, 2023
This is so beautifully written and captures what an amazing person Kat truly was. I'm so sorry you guys are hurting. Sending my love to all the Cottam's and her wonderful friends. My deepest condolences go out to Spencer and Mary for losing their girl. My heart breaks for you both.
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