Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Kathleen Elizabeth Townsend
Kathleen Elizabeth Townsend
Obituary
Guest Book
Kathleen Townsend Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sue Gosh
April 11, 2019
Kathy was a great person and fabulous leader, I was so blessed to have worked with her many years ago in Dist. 279. I always told myself that I wanted to lead like her and today I still find myself saying " what would Kathy do" She always inspired me. She helped so many and never asked for anything in return. Kathy Townsend had a heart of gold and is missed everyday.
Shaketta Singleton
July 15, 2018
Ms.Townsend was my principal when I attended Parkbrook Elementary. I am only learning of her death today in 2018 after looking for her for years on social media.
She was so profound and such an amazing light to all of is students.
Rest well me. Townsend....rest well.
Sharon Peters
April 30, 2011
I've been teaching for 20+ years now. Just last week, my colleagues and I were discussing principals we have worked for that made a difference in our lives as educators. I discussed Kathy. She was the first principal I worked for. She held high standards for herself and her teachers. Kathy expected and supported us in our endeavors to meet her expectations. I grew so much as a teacher that year. She was a true educator; always striving for excellence. I hold her in high esteem; she will be greatly missed.
Phyllis Rither
April 26, 2011
As a former teacher at Cedar Island Elementary, I truly benefited from all the knowledge Kathy had to share with her staff regarding how to teach the students sitting in our classrooms. Her dedication to empowering us all never ended...her high expectations for herself, her staff and her students is my greatest memory of Kathy.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Judie and Jay Griffin
April 24, 2011
Joey and Jean, Kathy and I experienced our first years of teaching side by side in neighboring classrooms oh so many years ago at Bremer Elementary School. It was apparent early on that she was destined to do great things in her life. I started a family and moved back to NY while Kathy continued in her path to do her best to be the best at helping students and their families. Her spirit will live on in everyone she touched and she will always have a special place in my heart.
Deb Odell
April 20, 2011
Jean and Joey, I spent many years teaching at Cedar Island under Kathy's wings. She taught me more while I was at CI than I learned from many of my professors at the under and graduate level. Kathy had high expectations for her staff and we really had to work hard to meet those expectations. She also had high expectations for herself...a type "A" personality with a goal to help kids and their families. Kathy certainly has made an impact on me and I am very thankful that she and I crossed paths!
Judy Marn
April 20, 2011
I had the privilege of having Kathy as a principal colleague during my years in District #279. She had a special passion for children and learning. I am sorry I will be unable to attend her memorial. I am traveling in Arizona at this time. Special thoughts of sympathy are with her family.
Dan Donahue
April 20, 2011
I worked with Kathy at Park Brook school. I had high respect for her and how she treated students and staff. She was a very generous person.She will be missed.
Joan Hermanson
April 19, 2011
I transferred to Park Brook Elementary to be a part of the innovative and exciting programs Kathy was providing the students there. She challenged the students and staff to do and be their best, earning Park Brook National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence honors in 1996. Her behind the scenes generosity to Park Brook, students, and families will long be remembered.
Michael Moriarity
April 19, 2011
Kathy took me under her wing shortly after I was transferred to Cedar Island Elementary. She worked with me closely for months and months until she was satisfied with my performance. She was the first principal to say, "Let's do it this way," rather than "You do it this way."
She was truly my "Boss" She would always stand by a teacher during difficulties and only after the smoke had cleared would she say, "Next time we might do it another way."
Kathy taught me how to take control and pride in my teaching. The children were always her first priority and the teachers a close second. I credit her with saving my life professionally on many levels.
Michael Moriarity
Susan Tackaberry
April 19, 2011
Kathy was truly a remarkable lady, she was there for me during one of the darkest hours of my life. I worked with her at Park Brook Elem.I found out I had cancer and Kathy was so supportive during my Chemo treatments and my recovery. She truly was an angel in my hour of need. She was also a mentor to me, her managemnet style was so strong and yet so kind hearted, She was so generous and helped so many people, including all the children at Park Brook. She will always be a huge part of my life both professionally and personally.
Rojanne Brown
April 18, 2011
I worked for Kathy Townsend for several years at Cedar Island Elementary School. She set the highest of standards for herself and her staff. No one in my professional experience has been a greater advocate for children. Kathy truly made a difference.
Chloe
April 18, 2011
A remarkable woman, a remarkable life.
April 18, 2011
I worked with Kathy for many years in the Osseo Area School District. She was a dedicated and tireless educator who held high standards for her staff and students. She was always generous with her time and her personal resources, and she took great pride in work that was well done. I will miss her!
Deanna Boddie
Linda Perdaems
April 18, 2011
Kathy was a wonderful mentor to me when I was a new principal and she was a great friend! She gave her heart and soul to her work and truly was an advocate for children and their families. The world will never know all the "behind the scenes" things Kathy did for others. She made mortgage payments to help families in crisis, she donated her speaking fees back to Park Brook, she generously supported our district foundation and the Rotary.
Kathy and Ron were instrumental in supporting Bob and me through the years. For that I will be forever grateful!
The world truly is a better place because of Kathy. My world has been significantly impacted by her life!
April 18, 2011
Dear Family of Kathy Townsend,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with Kathy as a counselor at Park Brook Elementary many years ago. I learned so much from her! Her heart and dedication was always for the children and their education. She touched many lives far and wide. We trained our dogs at the same training center. It so fun, seeing her little Yorkies showing her who was the boss! We laughed about that so much.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Kim Monette
Rodney Nelson
April 17, 2011
How one person could have such a powerful positive impact on so many people is a question always awaiting an answer. Kathy lived a life always faithful to her friends as well as her kids and many educators. So much good for all and so many fun and wonderful memories. We will spend our years missing here deeply.
Dee Ginthner
April 17, 2011
Joey and Jean---My thoughts and prayers to both of you! As you know Kathy was a special friend for MANY years. I treasured her friendship and respected her contributions to education. We first met when she was a student teacher at Bremer, I changed professions but our friendship continued! We kept in touch playing golf and eventually the 'golf group' just became friends that met to talk and share a meal, we spent holidays together and remained close friends through the years. I will miss her!
Kay Anderson
April 17, 2011
We were so sorry to hear about Kathy! We both enjoyed her company and spirit while teaching with her at Bremer Elementary. Don & Kay Anderson
Deb Leadens
April 17, 2011
Dear Jean,
I don't know if you remember me or not. We met many years ago when you were working a summer school program and Kathy was the principle. Well you impressed me very much, I thought you were so cool! I worked in the Osseo district as a pera for 22 years and had the pleasure of knowing Kathy. I always looked up to here and thought "what a wonderful lady"! Didn't matter that I was a Pera, and she a principle she treated me with respect and kindness always and always had a hug for me when we ran into each other. I am truly sorry for your loss Jean and will never forget either you or Kathy Townsend...she was really cool too!
Aaron Loweth
April 17, 2011
Jean, thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Aaron Loweth
April 17, 2011
Thoughts and prayers Jean.
Diana Dupont
April 17, 2011
Jean, so sorry to hear of your sisters passing. Sounds like she was quite the educator! That is an awesome legacy to leave behind. Diana & Paul
Lori Lockhart
April 17, 2011
Kathleen did indeed make the world a better place. She impacted thousands of children in a positive way. Her personal involvement and guidance gave children options and choices they otherwise may not have gotten. Personally she was my friend and mentor. I am an educator today because of the influence she had on me. I am forever grateful and will never forget. I will strive to carry on in her foot steps to also make positive differences in the lives of children. I will miss her dearly.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
7110 France Ave. S, Edina, MN 55435
Make a Donation
in Kathleen Townsend's name
How to support Kathleen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kathleen Townsend's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
