Katherine MacKenzie Swanson

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Menlo School Nueva School

Katherine Swanson Obituary

SWANSON, Katherine MacKenzie - Died in a tragic accident at her home in Hillsborough on Tuesday, September 20, 2005. She was 22 years old. Katie will forever be the wonderful loving daughter and sister to Judy and Erica. Katie was a passionate, smiling, gifted, intelligent, inclusive, thoughtful, compassionate and loving young woman. She had the capacity to make everyone feel so very special. Those who knew Katie know that she received many outstanding awards and accolades during her life for her intellectual and athletic prowess. All her awards acknowledged her loving spirit and enthusiasm. She was currently in the honors program at Stanford, a place where she felt so very happy and where she was the most ardent and fun tour guide. True to her genuine love of learning and concern for others, Katie planned to get a PhD in Sociology with an emphasis on social inequality. Katie was clear about her future and she was in love. Life was just beginning anew for Katie. As a dear friend said, "Katie has touched, loved and been loved by more than a lifetime's worth of people. And, for that she will never be forgotten." She shared her love and happiness with so many family, friends, Nueva School, Crystal Springs Uplands, Menlo School, Princeton and Stanford Kappa Alpha Theta, Cottage Club at Princeton, Hillsborough AYSO, CY Soccer, the list goes on. Katie wasn't afraid to love big, that was one of Katie's legacies. She was one of a kind. We will love Katie forever. The world grew smaller with her death. The universe expanded. Katie is survived by her mother, Judy Church Swanson and her beloved and loving sister, Erica. The daughter of the late Robert A. Swanson, she has now joined her father who she so dearly loved. Katie loved her godparents, Bruce and Margie Madding, her Uncle Jerry, Aunt Sally, Aunt Evalle and all the cousins and the family of friends who made her life so happy. For all of us, the love, the joy, the laughter you shared with Katie fills our hearts to have given her that is the greatest gift of all. We have established the Katherine M. Swanson Memorial Fund at the Peninsula Community Foundation should you want Katie's goodness to continue reaching out to the world we live in. There will be a Memorial Service, Thursday, October 20th, at the Stanford Memorial Church at 5pm. Parking will be available at Lasuen Grove at Stanford, with shuttle bus service to Memorial Church. Other parking on campus will be extremely limited on the 20th. For directions and information please call (650) 373-1900. A reception will follow at the Menlo Circus Club. We love you Katie.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 13 to Oct. 16, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Swanson

12 Entries

Eileen R. Growald

October 23, 2005

Dear Judy and Erica,

Our hearts go out to you for the tragic and untimely loss of Katie. It must seem all too much, with having already lost Bob. As someone said, at least they are together now, but I know that doesn't make it any easier to stop missing your dear daughter (and sister).

None of us Growalds knew Katie, but Adam had heard great things about her from his girlfriend, Emily, at Princeton, who was in the same sororiety as Katie while she was there.

Our prayers are with you as you try to adjust to this terrible loss. I know life will never be the same, but I hope the memories of times with Katie, just as the memories of Bob (your Dad) will keep them alive inside you both. We will light a candle in Katie's memory when Adam is back with us over Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, words feel inadequate, but we hope you feel some comfort in the number of people who care and are praying for comfort for both of you.

With love and blessings, on behalf of Paul, Adam and Danny as well,

Eileen Growald

Martinelli Family

October 20, 2005

Our daughter had the wonderful experience of playing soccer with Katie on the CY Predators. We all enjoyed Katie's energy, her enthusiasm and her team spirit. A great memory we have of the family spirit is when her father would run with complete pride, carrying the Predator flag, around the entire soccer field after each goal. This is truly a tragic time as many, many people will miss Katie as we do Bob. Our hearts go out to Katie's family, especially Judy and Erica. You will remain in our prayers.

Charles & Lin Woodruff

October 20, 2005

Dear Judy & Erica,

Woody & I are neighbors and sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and we would like to share a poem.

MISS ME BUT LET ME GO

When I come to the end of the road

and the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free

Miss me a little - but not too long

and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared.

Miss me-but let me go

For this journey that we all must take and each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Master's plan,a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know

and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me-but let me go.

Lin & Charles Woodruff

Janet Tennyson

October 20, 2005

Dear Mrs. Swanson and Erica,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Katie. I am a teacher at Menlo, currently on a leave of absence. Though Katie was not one of my Spanish students, I did have contact with her while she was a class officer at Menlo. I truly admired her enthusiasm and dedication she showed towards her students and her school. I am unable to attend the service, but know that I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Fondly, Janet Tennyson

Dennis, Michelle, Adrienne & Suzanne Kleid

October 19, 2005

Dear Judy and Erica,

We recently heard that your Katie passed away…such a terrible tragedy, especially for you, and also for the whole world. Katie Swanson, the beloved daughter of Genentech's founder, Bob Swanson, shares a name that reverberates among the buildings here. The name "Swanson" echoes like a "heart beat" -- giving this company life and a heart it will forever have and will forever need. We all recall Bob telling us of his and Herb's early ideas for a name for this company -- Herbob's or Bobherb's -- they couldn't decide so, hey! What about: "Genentech, Inc." The story reminds us of his second great start-up: K & E Management. Not only did he give life to this incredible company, but he also helped give life to this wonderful daughter. We never met her, but the memories that have been shared here speak of a young lady who had the character, the courage, the will, and would have had the opportunity to change the world -- like her Dad did -- if only she had not been stolen from us too early -- like her Dad was. We are deeply saddened by this loss.

Two of Bob's "Genentech children" and two of Bob's "Genentech granddaughters"

June menicucci

October 18, 2005

Dear Judy & Erica,

The sorrow I feel for you both is overwhelming at times. I can only imagine your pain. In the brief time that I knew Katie, she shared many things with me and I am a finer woman by knowing her. You are and always will be a family that touched my life.

Love June

Lindsey McClenahan

October 17, 2005

Judy and Erica,

I knew katie a long time ago, we were little girls who dressed up and coordinated our outfits and socks with the 80s. She was a great creative and loving person who helped me feel full of color and friendship. I have been able to go through all our pictures together and remember her brightness and ability to make everything fun and inventive. I am glad I was able to share a short piece of my life with katie, it had a great impact on me that I will never forget and that I will always be thankful for.

Love Lindsey McClenahan

Pierre Fournier

October 16, 2005

Judy...I just learned today that your daughter passed away. I remember meeting her during Bill Austin and my brief visit at Lake Tahoe during August. Janet and I extend our deepest sympathy for this tragic loss.

Rossie Merrill

October 16, 2005

Dear Judy and Erica,

I don't know what to say. I am at a loss for words. I have such regret that I lost touch with Katie for these past two years. I will forever cherish the time that I spent with you and Katie at Disneyland and Tahoe. She will be with me always and I will forever strive to be half of the person she was in her brief time. We were debutante sisters and I am grateful for the wonderful year we spent together. Bless you and you are in my thoughts.

Andrew Dorman

October 14, 2005

Mrs. Swanson,

I know that it's been a while since I've seen you, but I wanted to tell you how thankful I am for having spent three years at Crystal Springs with Katie. She was a very talented, morally strong, and impressive person who is missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

ann seymour

October 13, 2005

Dearest Judy. Am in a state of shock. You don't deserve this. So much of what was written about your beloved daughter applies to you. We send our love. XXX000, Ann Seymour (Norrie's mother)

Alyssa Gagliani

October 13, 2005

Judy and Erica,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Katie from the Magic years as being a very vibrant, beautiful, intellegent, kind, and seemed like a very fun older sister to you, Erica. It's must be true that only the good die young. I can't imagine the type of grief and feelings you have right now, but the only solace in this is that she is up with Bob now. Judy, Erica you two are so strong so I know you'll be able to get through this. Judy, my mom almost lost me so I'm sure she can give you some strength and is a person to talk to who at least knows a little bit about how you are feeling. If you guys ever need anything don't ever hesitate to call us (650) 572 8817.

Alyssa Gagliani

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