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Kathryn Donahue Obituary
Kathryn "Kate" Lee
Donahue
Kate was born May 20, 1985 in San Bernardino, CA. She brought much joy to her parents, Michelle and Tom, and to her brother Keenan during her short life.
She spent her childhood in Marysville, WA and Stanwood, WA. Later, she and her family moved to Chandler, AZ where she graduated from Valley Christian High School in 2003. After graduation, she followed her calling to become a nurse like her mother. She graduated from the nursing program at Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, CA in 2005. After working for St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco, she relocated to Seattle, WA and began working for Group Health on Capital Hill in Seattle.
She was a vibrant young woman who thoroughly embraced life. Never one to shy away from adventure, she sought out fun in all she did. Her smiling face and quirky sense of humor endeared her to all who met her, whether at work as a nurse, or with her large circle of friends and family. Children adored her because she never forgot how to be a kid herself.
In Seattle she met her kindred soul, Jesus Sanchez Vasquez, a mechanical engineer at The Boeing, Co. They wanted to share their lives, and planned to be married on July 17, 2011. Jesus, sadly, also perished in the fire that claimed Kate's life. Everyone agreed that they were the happiest when together.
Kate is survived by her parents, Michelle and Tom Donahue of Walnut Creek, CA; her brother, Keenan, of Chandler, AZ; her grandmothers, Patricia Lee Hall, Santa Rosa, CA and Roberta Gee, Clinton, IA; aunts and uncles, Dianna Lee and David Thompson, Ashland, OR; Patrice and Paul Moore, Santa Rosa, CA; Carol Hall and Scott Kinzy, Santa Rosa, CA; Mary and Brett Miller, San Diego, CA; Teresa Donahue, DeWitt, IA; Kevin and Julie Donahue, DeWitt, IA; Vince and Barb Donahue, DeWitt, IA; and Pat and Deb Donahue, Camanche, IA. She also left a large circle of cousins and extended family and friends who adored her.
She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Sgt. Darrell Lee, Rialto, CA, Jerry Donahue, DeWitt, IA, and Wally Hall, Kenwood, CA; and her uncle, Bob Donahue, DeWitt, IA.
Funeral services for Kate will be held on January 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alderwood Community Church, 3403 Alderwood Mall Boulevard, Lynnwood, WA 98037.
A joint celebration of Kate and Jesus' lives will be held at 1:30 p.m. on January 29, 2011 at the Alderwood Community Church, 3403 Alderwood Mall Boulevard, Lynnwood, WA 98037.
Contributions in memory of Kate may be made to Wells Fargo Bank #6174877891 for Kate Donahue and Jesus Sanchez. Extra funds not used for medical and funeral expenses will be used to start a foundation in honor of Kate and Jesus.
Thank you, everyone, for your love, prayers, and support. As Kate would have requested, remember to squeeze as much joy from life as possible, and savor every second with loved ones.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Donahue
Linda Smith
January 18, 2023
Thinking of Katie and Jesus and you, Tom, Michelle, and Keenan, today. The pin of Katie and Jesus (from the memorial service ) is, and always has been in a special place on my desk.
Linda Smith
January 18, 2020
Michelle and Ton and Keenan, The beautiful Together Forever remembrance pin with the gorgeous photo of Kate and Jesus is always on my desk. I pray for peace, good health and happiness for you all. love, Linda
I saw this picture in her profile and remembered that Kate and I shared a love for cats and she just looks SO happy and so peaceful, this was my fav
Jessica Lund
January 26, 2011
Michelle and Tom,
Kate was such a joy to have as a peer at CCC and a short time at Hamilton before she transferred to Valley Christian. I remember going to my first high school dance with her, Chad and David, and I was terrified because it was a big deal having a first high school dance so she calmed me down and we all got together and had a very fun-filled beautiful evening and I have a picture from the portrait people somewhere (Which I will definitely send you frame-able prints if/when it is found, just let me know the size)and hope it wasn't in a box destroyed by water damage.
I hear her laugh sometimes and it makes me smile. Every time she laughed or goofed off, I automatically cracked up no matter how bad of a day it was, because she could brighten anyone's day! I always looked forward to seeing her during our multiple youth groups with CCC for the week. This should have never happened to someone like her or Jesus, and I would take her place in an instant, because her JOB even enriched lives, not just her outside of work life. She always had these sunny and silly updates as well as entertaining and beautiful pictures to share and it was really made my day to come and read what shenanigans she was up to :)
She will be so missed and Michelle, Tom, I just want you to know how wonderful your daughter is and how big of an impact she made in other peoples' lives, and it was awesome to have a role model my age in Kate. I definitely am changing my ways and trying to become that girl I used to be when we were at CCC when she taught me to ALWAYS be positive even if you are having a difficult struggle; always smile! You guys, I am so glad you chose CCC to call "home"! Keenan and Justin Stein. You guys are so awesome and I really thought Justin was your other son for over 5 years because Katie always introduced him as such! Your whole family has strength I cannot even imagine and I know Kate got it from all you guys. God Bless you guys and the friends and families, who will always be in my prayers and constantly sending love and good thoughts. It was SUCH a blessing and honor to have her friendship. I look back and wonder if maybe she was one of God's angels blessed to your family to walk this earth and change lives... because she sure did! She's going to be very missed by so many and I pray that God dulls the pain and helps you heal as you grieve.
Lisa Van Kirk
January 25, 2011
Tom, Michelle and Keenan.
I will never forget Kate I miss her!! She was so much fun to have in my small group in high school! She brought so much joy and laughter every week! I was always looking forward to what question is Kate going to ask this week that makes me go WOW did she just say that out loud. I love you Kate forever!!
Joe & Lisa Coquillard
January 25, 2011
We are praying for the peace of God that passes all understanding to be your source of comfort and strength today and in the days to come.
Kathy Davis
January 24, 2011
Search Light Moms wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your Kate. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Moms
www.slmoms.com
Also on Facebook
Meghann Kalliokoski
January 24, 2011
I will always remember Kate as a very kind, big-hearted, selfless, intelligent, and sweet lady. She was very committed to God and was not afraid to share her love for Him to others. I enjoyed having classes with her in high school as well as going on youth group trips with Chandler Christian Church. Kate will be missed by many people and never forgotten. I know that she and her love, Jesus, are together in Heaven free of pain and smiling down on all of us. <3
Yma Agosto
January 24, 2011
May God's peace with all Families Involved!
Barb Marshall
January 24, 2011
Kate you will be missed. Your smile will forever live in the hearts of many including mine.
Linda Smith
January 24, 2011
Michelle, and Tom and Keenan
I will never forget Kate. I will always recall the pride you felt for her, and the love that was so evident whenever you mentioned her name. God bless you all.
deedee B
January 24, 2011
i have followed there story from the start and i want to send my prayers to both famlies. God bless you all
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