Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kathleen Penna Obituary
Kathleen was born in Seattle WA on July 6, 1985. She passed away peacefully on March 17, 2020 in her childhood home in Edmonds WA after a long and fearless battle with breast cancer.
Kathleen graduated from Edmonds-Woodway HS in 2003 and WWU in 2007. She had a wide range of jobs in her relatively short life starting as a day camp leader, then supervisor, elementary school tutor, worked in the kitchen and library at Western. Kathleen was most passionate about being part of the social justice movement. First through AmeriCorps and then with Solid Ground. She was unassuming, smart, kind, supportive and always worked to bring the best out in people.
Kathleen was fiercely independent. She bought her first car at 17 with her own money. She treasured her family and close friends. She liked nothing better than hanging out with friends playing one of the 104 boards games she owned. She was an avid reader. Jane Austin and JK Rowling were two of her favorite authors. Kathleen had a dry sense of humor, was a strong hiker and a natural snorkeler.
It was an honor and a privilege to be her parents. She was the light of our lives and now the sky is one star brighter.
She is preceded in death by her Grandfather, William Brosche Jr.
She is survived by her parents Patrick and Sandie Penna, sister, Jessica Blacknall (Chris), grandparents Roy and Alice Penna, Shirley Brosche. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins. Nieces Anna and Lily and nephew William.
Kathleen would like you to be kind and care for each other and donate to a charity of your choice.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the oncology staff's of Kaiser Permanente, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and especially Kaiser Hospice.
Sign Kathleen's online
Guest Book at www.Legacy.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Penna
Sponsored by The Family.
Sharon Pankiewicz-Dreimiller
May 17, 2020
To all of the Penna Family,
I am so sorry to see that your beautiful daughter passed away. Jessica was in one of my first classes, if not my first class, at Westgate so many years ago. I have never forgotten the goodness your family shared with so many. It sounds like Kathleen continued to share that goodness with the world. I will keep Kathleen and all of your family in my prayers.
May peace be with all of you.
Sincerely,
Sharon Pankiewicz-Dreimiller
Westgate Teacher
A collage of pictures of Katheen at Solid Ground
Liz Reed Hawk
April 16, 2020
I've been flooded with sweet memories of Kathleen today as I prepped this tribute to her for Solid Ground's blog: Remembering Kathleen Penna: A gentle & impactful Solid Ground leader (www.solid-ground.org/remembering-kathleen-penna-a-gentle-impactful-solid-ground-leader)
Kathleen was all of the amazing things her coworkers wrote about her and more. I was fortunate to get to collaborate with her on many, many projects over the decade+ that we were colleagues at Solid Ground. She was smart and always helpful to our Communications team -- and unfailingly kind. A moment that sticks out to me: I had been struggling with some deep challenges that were weighing heavily on me, and out of the blue, Kathleen sent me a lovely hand-written card of appreciation for just doing my job. It reminded me of how rare it is that we appreciate each other just because -- and it meant so much to me. Still does. My heart goes out to all of Kathleen's family and dearest friends. Peace & ♥
Brendan Requa
March 25, 2020
Kathleen was always such a wonderful person to be around. She had the gift of being able to make you smile and laugh when you didn't know you needed to. I will always remember the many days we spent together talking about Harry Potter and Doctor Who, coming up with ridiculous(and amazing!) camp ideas, and playing trivia games. You are definitely part of my pile of good things, Kathleen, and I hope I was part of yours.
My deepest sympathies to the Penna family,
Love Brendan Requa
Hunger Games Costume winners
Patrick Penna
March 25, 2020
Kathleen as Effie Trinket. Sabrina?
March 24, 2020
Pat & Sandie,
We were so sad to hear of Kathleen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Anne & Steve Walsh,
HIldur O'Connor, Katy O'Connor, Steve O'Connor
MICHAEL ,GLORY AND MICHELLE BLACKNALL
March 24, 2020
KATHLEEN'S PASSING WAS FAR TOO SOON, SHE WILL
BE ENORMOUSLY MISSED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS
WE EXTEND OR SINCERE SYMPATHY FOR THE LOSS OF KATHLEEN TO ALL HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Our visit to Seattle with Katie and the family
Heather Johnson
March 24, 2020
Sandy, Pat so sad and sorry to hear this news. I remember Katie as a warm, bright and beautiful girl when we visited. Take care love Heather, Aidrian, Sam and Joe xxxxx North Wales
March 23, 2020
Fly high Katie. You are our hearts forever. You are and will always be missed. - Love Uncle Phil and Aunt Linda
Linda Brosche
March 23, 2020
Linda Brosche
March 23, 2020
Linda Brosche
March 23, 2020
Linda Brosche
March 23, 2020
Linda Brosche
March 23, 2020
Linda Brosche
March 23, 2020
Linda Brosche
March 23, 2020
Virginia Duell
March 23, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to you and Sandie, Pat. Love to you both. Virginia
March 23, 2020
Katie was a gift. She will be dearly missed. I was so lucky I was her grandmother, she will live in my heart forever. She kept her sense of humor to the end. Very brave, non complaining. I loved her dearly.
Jaysa Burros
March 22, 2020
Sandie and Patrick, We are so sorry for your loss. Love Jaysa and Alan Burros
Danielle
March 22, 2020
Kathleen had a direct impact in my life, inspiring me to be the woman I am today. Even though we were the same age, I always aspired to match her confidence and intellect. I could be completely myself with Kathleen and she helped me keep my sanity through all four years of high school. Kathleen taught me to be proud of who I am- and ignore others opinions. I will always remember her love for Harry Potter, her old VW (which once died on us driving north on I-5), her love for her parents/family, and her dedication to making the world a better place. We lost a treasure. Kathleen, I still have the old mob hits cd you made me years ago! Ill be playing those songs and thinking of you. Thank you.
Alice Penna
March 22, 2020
Kathleen was happy, quirky, full of interest in life. Her Major in college, Philosophy, maybe helped prepare, her for she met a terrible challenge..cancer. This she approached with the attitude that she would fight, and that she did.
Watching her from infancy, a beautiful babe , through the cuddly stage, enjoying summers weeks when she and Jese stayed with us, the holidays, attending a few sporting events, soccer , a short stint at ballet, then on up to the teenage years. Always with a quiet, quirky humor that really blossomed as she matured. She developed strong political convictions.. fortunate to find a career with a non profit that met her idealistic goals. We are so very proud of her.
Her Grandpa and I treasure all the memories we have, are grateful for her love and for her too short life. She will live on in our hearts and memories.
March 22, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss, Sandie.My deepest condolences,Kyoungsoon
Julie Martineau-Sundet
March 22, 2020
Thinking of you and keeping you in prayer. Please accept my sincere sympathy at the loss of your dear daughter .
Ski to sea 2007 - Bellingham
Steve Dole
March 22, 2020
w/ Mom. They're smiling now. The ride back from Moloka'i won't be so 'smiley'.
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
W/ Jessica
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
Ski to Sea 2007
Steve Dole
March 22, 2020
Millennial vs Gen X<br />(Uncle James)
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
turkey stuffing w/ Karissa or how Kathleen became a vegatarian
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
"would you do that at the Davenport Hotel?"
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
burning shrimp with Grandpa Penna
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
Patrick Penna
March 22, 2020
Most of the important things in life I learned from Kathleen. At age three she advised me to wear a seat belt. At 15 she forbid me to tuck tee shirts. At 20, no more high water pants. And at 25 any signs of a comb over were banned. She was my go to person for advice of all kinds. I cannot express how much I will miss her.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Kathleen Penna's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Kathleen Penna
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 Penna'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
