Katherine Yusavage Obituary
Katherine Marie Yusavage of Oakland passed away Jan. 27 at Alta Bates Hospital after a long illness. She was 62. Kathy was an incredibly generous, strong, intelligent, and genuine person with a wonderful, wry sense of humor. She was a unique spirit and is deeply missed by her family and wide circle of friends.
Kathy was born Feb. 12, 1952 in Sacramento, Calif., the first of four children to William and Marjorie Yusavage. From a young age, she loved animals and throughout her life, cared for a menagerie of critters, including cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. As a teenager, she competed in equestrian shows with her horse, Jupiter. In high school, she was active in everything from the school paper and forensics to the French club and thespian society.
She met her life partner and husband, William L. Smith Jr., during their freshman year at U.C. Santa Barbara. Both transferred to U.C. Berkeley, where she graduated with honors in sociology. She then earned a law degree from Golden Gate University and worked several years for Contra Costa and also Alameda County Legal Aid. Kathy and Bill settled in Oakland, where she worked to improve their neighborhood by leading a petition drive to have the city install speed bumps on their street and improve safety.
Kathy developed an interest in spirituality that became deeper over the years. She learned and practiced healing arts such as massage therapy, and worked as a freelance astrologer; people valued her readings as well as her informal astrological advice.
Above all, Kathy gave generously of her time to listen to the problems of those close to her and worked hard to help find solutions. Friends sought out her advice, leading her to think at times that she should have become a professional counselor.
Kathy’s many other interests include photography, movies, gardening, and politics. She and Bill enjoyed traveling and spending time at their second house in Pecos, N.M. They celebrated their 43rd anniversary last year. Kathy particularly loved holidays, and made them special with charming and entertaining handmade cards featuring one or more of her furry or feathered pets.
She is survived by Bill, sisters Marcy Yusavage of Oakland and Marianne Yusavage of San Francisco, brother William Yusavage of New York, and parrot Lily. A private memorial will be held at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland.
Published by Inside Bay Area on Feb. 26, 2015.