Kathleen Mary TURCOTTE

1949 - 2017

TURCOTTE, Kathleen Mary (Dufur)

May 6th, 1949 - October 5th, 2017

Kathleen Mary (Dufur) Turcotte was born in Boise, Idaho, the eldest of three children. She spent her childhood years in Lebanon, Oregon, at St. Edwards grade school, then graduated from Lebanon Union High School. She went on to Gonzaga University and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. Her work with stroke patients and speech therapy led her to Lewis and Clark College where she earned a Master's Degree in Deaf Education. Kathleen taught deaf and special education for 33 years in School District 81, and she was the first teacher in Spokane that used Signing Exact English with deaf students.
Upon retirement, Kathleen continued an active life despite many health challenges. She traveled, took classes, and continued to be involved with her church, family, and friends. She regularly interpreted for the deaf community at St. Aloysius Church. She was also a regular customer at the Starbucks at Sharp and Hamilton, sometimes twice a day. Kathleen enjoyed writing letters to family and friends, and she routinely sent interesting articles and comics with her hand-written notes. She was her sons' biggest fan, attended nearly all their sporting events, pushed them to work hard in school and at home, and supported them in the pursuit of their chosen careers.
Kathleen's unfaltering faith in God and the love of her family formed the foundation of her life. As the "Big Sister", Kathleen naturally shared her wisdom, worry, love, and prayers. She had an abundance of love and care, which she readily shared with friends and strangers alike. She spent many hours volunteering with organizations such as Transitions, lending a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or words of advice. Kathleen enjoyed sarcasm and had a great sense of humor.
Kathleen leaves the legacy of her love in her two sons. She was a wonderful mom and her kids were her pride, joy, and lifeblood. Through unconditional love and nurturing, she guided and watched them grow to be the exceptional, successful, and independent men they are today.
The last few years proved to be an uphill battle for Kathleen, but she demonstrated her deep determination and perseverance through it all. She was a strong and willful, spiritual woman. She fought hard, but the long-range side effects of radiation treatments for cancer 24 years ago, left her with a weakened immune system and challenges with stamina. She left this world suddenly and far too soon.
Kathleen will be missed by many friends and family. Preceding her in death were her father, Dale Dufur, and mother, Margaret Dufur. She leaves behind her son, Paul (Janelle) Turcotte, two granddaughters, Zoey and Addysen; her son, Matthieu Turcotte; her brother, Robert (Kari) Dufur; her sister, Helen (Bob) Richardson; her foster daughter, Beth Bays; her ex-husband Alain Turcotte; her canine companion, Bubba; and many close friends.
Vigil services will be Friday, October 13, 2017 at 7pm and will take place at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 330 E. Boone, Spokane. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Aloysius on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 10am. Inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathleen's memory to Transitions. Arrangements have been entrusted to: