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BORN
1952
DIED
2011
Katharine Honnette Obituary
December 13, 1952 - July 27, 2011
Kay Honnette, of Kingsburg, CA died Wednesday, July 27,2011. She was born in Pasadena, CA and grew up in West Covina, CA where she was active in 4-H, served as club president 3 years, excelled in sewing clothing, and raising and showing Hereford beef cattle. Kay was selected as one of the top ten 4-H All Stars in Los Angeles County.
She graduated from Claremont High School and then began college at Mt. San Antonio Community College in Walnut, CA. Kay trasferred to Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo where she majored in Agriculture Education and was a member of the sheep show team. Kay married John Honnette on Aug. 20, 1976 and they moved to Blacksburg, VA where Kay received a B.S. degree in Agriculture Education in 1977.
Kay and John moved to Caruthers, CA in 1978 where they owned and operated a dairy farm and where all four of their children were born. The family moved to Denair, CA in 1987 where she worked as a teacher's aide until the family moved to Sun Prairie, WI in 1989. Kay attended UW Whitewater where she received another teaching credential and worked as a high school special education teacher in Deerfield, WI.
The family moved to Turlock, CA in 1996 and Kay became Director of Client Services for Goodwill assisting ex-felons, homeless, and people down on their luck by helping them learn life and job skills. Kay and John moved to Kingsburg in 2003 and Kay continued working for Goodwill.
Kay battled breast cancer for the past five years, enduring two surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy. She lost the battle but continued to devote herself to her family and continues to inspire us with her courage, grace, humility and love. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, listening to music, but most of all spending time with her family.
Kay is survived by husband John, daughters Lisa Singh, Brooke Gray, and Marissa Honnette; son Ryan Honnette; son-in-laws Royjindar Singh and Josh Gray; grandchildren Taylor Honnette, Katelyn Gray and Grant Gray; parents Raymond and Mary Nichols; and brother David Nichols.
Private burial will be at Denair Cemetary and a Memorial Service will be held at Cornerstone Covenant Church in Turlock, Saturday, August 6 at 10 a.m. Remembrances may be sent to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Ave. #1, Fresno, CA 93711.
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Memories and Condolences
for Katharine Honnette
July 28, 2012
It's hard to believe it has been one year. You're never far away because you will always be in my heart. Love always and forever
bad picture but miss you grandma
Taylor Honnette
July 3, 2012
In the Blue Ridge Mountains looking out at the Great Smokey Mountains. Pretty Place, near Greenville, SC.
June 21, 2012
Ron Fletcher
June 21, 2012
Came by to say, "Hi." I miss our "Gumby" time together. It was tough, but we made it through.
I have a feeling you and my mom are out exploring the hills of the Great Smokey Mountains. You both have that great sense of adventure.
I'm posting a picture taken at "Pretty Place" with a great view of the Smokeys. I think of you both when I look at it.
Take care of each other, and have a blast.
Taylor Honnette
May 27, 2012
Love and miss u grandma wish you were still here
Marissa Honnette
August 14, 2011
Every night and every day I think of you often and how you are looking over us. Thank you for being my mom and a wonderful mother. I miss you so much, but I'm glad you're in heaven and not in pain anymore. Love you so so so much.
oldest granddaughter taylor honnette
August 14, 2011
Love and miss grandma
her youngest daughter marissa honnette
August 14, 2011
i love and miss u mommy
Raelene Ross-Ramirez
August 5, 2011
Kay left her mark on so many of us. Although our time was short; it was memorable. I am so grateful for our traveling times. So many laughs shared. My greatest blessing I will keep in my heart is when she told me that I was like the sister she never had. My prayers are with all of you in this difficult. Heaven has received such a gift in her. I will watch for my butterfly Kay! I love you and miss you. I will keep you in my heart.
Michael Macias
August 4, 2011
It was both and honor and a blessing to have know Kay. Through our friendship I learned so much, and for that I am eternally grateful. Her unconditional love and compassion for others can be seen in the lives and hearts she touched. Though she may be gone physically, her spirit and presence will live on through those who knew her. Heaven has welcomed home a beautiful woman. My thoughts and prayers are with your family Kay. Love you and miss you....
Michael Robert Macias
Behind tall walls a different side of Kay appears.
Ron Fletcher
August 3, 2011
Backstage after Pagliacci
Ron Fletcher
August 3, 2011
Kay and Taylor visit backstage after opera.
August 3, 2011
Kay's birthday surprise, Dec 2004
Ron Fletcher
August 3, 2011
Through Kay's leadership, thousands of lives were improved. I am honored to have been a part of her team - one of the "Gumbys." Thank you for all those times you kept us sailing on course.
Her friendship extended beyond the walls of the workplace. I'm forever grateful for Kay's help when, with three days left before my daughters wedding, her dress disappeared and was lost forever into some shipping "third dimension." As a single dad, I was clueless and panicked on how to proceed. With her usual calmness and creativity, Kay made the perfect suggestion, and with her help it all came together beautifully.
Your family is always in our prayers.
Ron, Katie & Brandon and the boys.
Kathi Gulley
July 31, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Honnette family. I lost touch with Kay years ago, when the family left the Riverdale / Wee Friends Preschool area. I had searched for her recently on facebook - but did not find her. This morning's Fresno Bee death notice left me thinking "this can't be". .. I remember Kay fondly. I recently unpacked a "cow" baby blanket she gave me when my son was born - 32 years ago. My thoughts and prayers with John and all of the children. I remember them from Wee Friends Preschool -
July 31, 2011
Kay was the perfect friend and co-worker. She made things easier for me because she took the time and had the patience to make things right.
She is on my list of sisters; I will miss her always.
Linda Hightower
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