Kathleen Ann Beauchamp

1945 - 2016

Kathleen Anne Beauchamp
May 01, 1945 ~ August 14, 2016
Kathleen Anne Beauchamp was born in North Hollywood, California to Muriel Shade Kirksey and Frank W. Kirksey. At the time Kathleen was born, she lived with her mother and her beloved grandparents, Davy and Sally Shade's home while her father served in WWII flying B-29's for the Army.
In 1963, Kathy graduated from Pasadena High School. After high school, she married Larry Cowan and attended UCLA, where she earned her registered nursing credential, prior to degrees being offered. She and Larry had two children, Kimberly Mae and Michael Kyle.
Kathy cared for many people throughout the 18 year nursing career, even John Wayne as well as many other "Hollywood Notables". She continued her education and as an EMT, during which she met her second husband, L.V. "Buzz" Beauchamp, to whom Kathy shared the rest of her life. They married on August 27, 1978 in Newport Beach, CA.
During a visit to Middleton, Idaho to see her best high school buddy, Kathy and Buzz were reminded of old Pasadena where they grew up, which led them to move to Caldwell.
Kathy enjoyed the years she spent as a stay-at-home mom, but grew restless. She became a volunteer for the Caldwell Hospital Auxiliary. She was thrust into Vice President and made many life long friendships. A few years later, Kathy decided to return to work and accepted a position at a local care facility, as the activities director.
In the mid 1990's, a friend contacted Kathy about a position she might be interested in, for the challenge. Kathy applied and interviewed with the Board of Directors of Mercy House. This was at a time when the Sisters of Mercy were still operating Mercy Hospital in Nampa, and had a small house available to shelter women and families of domestic violence. Kathy was hired to be the director of Mercy House and be sure the clients were safe, cared for, and given a pathway out of domestic violence. Kathy was very sympathetic to this issue, since her first marriage was very abusive and later ended in divorce.
Throughout her tenure as the director and then, executive director of Mercy House, which transformed into Valley Crisis Center, Kathy was at the forefront of the Fight Against Domestic Violence. She was a tireless advocate for women and men who suffered spousal abuse, and the children whom were also involved in the crisis. Kathy worked to expand from a small, confidential, single family house to the first purpose built, 9600 square foot facility, west of the Mississippi River with up to 15 full-time employees. She was an aggressive fundraiser and taught her staff and clients how to gain accomplishments and improve their lives.
In 2007, Kathy and Buzz, joined with their Caldwell friends, traveled to Scotland. Kathy was able to visit her family origins and the Black Watch Archive where her grandfather served in the machine gun squad. Certainly, a time she treasured.
Kathy is survived by her husband, L.V. "Buzz" Beauchamp; daughter, Kimberly Kae Bullock; son, Michael Kyle Cowan; sister, Victoria (Jim) McKesson, a niece, nephew, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Kathy joined her mother, Muriel Kirksey; father, Frank Kirksey; grandparents, David and Sally Shade; grandfather, Amos Kirksey and nephew, Doug McKesson.
Graveside services will be held at Canyon Hill Cemetery on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com.