Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Katherine Sanborn Obituary
Palm Springs - Katherine Wallace Sanborn, a true pioneer of Palm Springs, passed away due to complications from cancer on November 20, 2018, surrounded by her family at home in Rancho Mirage. Kathy Sanborn was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1935 to Edward and Margaret (Peg) Wallace. Kathy's grandparents moved here in 1918 and as a young girl she spent her winters in Palm Springs gradually living there full time.
Kathy met her husband John growing up in Palm Springs when they attended preschool in her grandparent's original house. They also attended grade school and Palm Springs High School together. After graduation, they were married and celebrated 62 wonderful years together before John's passing in 2016. Kathy and John loved to travel the southwest in their RV always with their schnauzers, sailing on their sailboats in San Diego, taking cruises around the world, jeeping with family and friends, taking their antique Allards on car rallies. They loved to volunteer for community events like the Desert Circus parades and were members of Los Compadres and the Palm Springs Historical Society.
Kathy spent her early years as a bank teller before becoming a stay at home mom. She kept busy needlepointing, building miniatures, watching her favorite soap operas and daily trips to Starbucks.
She was an amazing Mom who always made sure her home was where the neighborhood kids could come hang out. We are deeply saddened without her but rejoice in knowing she is back together with John.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband John and is survived by her son Allen and wife Jeanette of Cathedral City, daughter Lisa Carrillo and husband Rick of Riverside, Grandchildren Nicola Sanborn, Jaclyn Sanborn, Jonathan Mena and wife Dominique, Nathan Mena, Courtney Carrillo and Kailey Carrillo, and three great grandchildren.
The family would like to express gratitude to Kathy's skilled and caring Physicians, Dr. William Longfellow, Dr. Khoi Le and Dr. Luke Dreisbach.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable gifts be made in Kathy's memory to "Palm Springs Historical Society".
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 on Saturday, December 15th at Welwood Murray Cemetery, Palm Springs followed by a reception at 12:30 at 36727 Donna Circle, Rancho Mirage.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Sanborn
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
3 Entries
Sylvia (Nelson) Dennis
December 27, 2018
A dear friend whom I met while attending Sixth Grade at Francis Stevens Elementory School in Palm Springs . We graduated from PSHS in 1953 and both worked at the Bank of America . I moved away but we managed to keep in touch over the years, sharing information about our children and our lives. She and John visited us in Reno, NV and we visited them in Palm Springs. There were times when we lost track but whenever we met again we'd pick up where we left off, always friends. She was the perfect friend, always caring, always sharing. It's hard to think that I can't just pick up the phone and speak to her again. Thank you Cocky (Kathy) for being the best friend ever, I shall always miss you. Love, Sylvia Nelson Dennis
Linda Vivian
December 14, 2018
Vaya Con Dios, my old friend.
Allison Suriano
December 13, 2018
Much love and condolences to the Sanborn family on your loss..you guys are my Palm Springs family and will always have a special place in my heart.
Allison Suriano
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Katherine Sanborn's name
Memorial Events
for Katherine Sanborn
How to support Katherine'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 Katherine Sanborn'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
