Katherine Lillian Magnuson

Birth date: Apr 18, 1940 Death date: Dec 31, 2004

Kay passed away on December 31, 2004 at home in Tacoma surrounded by her family.She was preceded in death by husband Herman Magnuson (her soul mate), parents Harry and Erma Gifford, and sister Jean Pelletier. Kay is survived by bo Read Obituary

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Anonymous

1085w ago

I'm sorry to be so late to sign the guestbook. Mrs. Magnuson, her swirl books, Systems 80, those cubbies . . . everything about kindergarten was welcoming because she made it so. Even now, I can talk to most people my age who grew up around here and they will tell you with some pride whether they were a Charlie Brown or a Snoopy. She was one of those teachers who inspired me to join the ranks. It's so refreshing to read about the students and parents from my neighborhood who have more passion for life because of her. I'm glad to see her memory carry on.
With much love from a proud Snoopy##imported-begin##Kate (Richmond) Kuravackal##imported-end##

Anonymous

1086w ago

With My deepest Sympathy on the passing of Katherine.
She will live on in our family tree which is now in process of being written.
Stan. R. Lee
The Great Grandchild of Frederick and Kate Potter Gifford. The Grandchild of Byron Christopher & Amy G. Gifford Turner. The second Son to William A. Lee Sr. and Betty Jean Turner Lee Hendricks.##imported-begin##Stan R. Lee##imported-end##

Anonymous

1087w ago

Margaret Russo- Snoopy 1990-1991.
My family moved to Tacoma in the summer of 1990, and one of the first things I remember was kindergarten registration. I wore a dress, as it was a special occasion. Ms. Magnuson had a box of chicks out that we could pick up and play with, and I was all over that. To my dismay, one of them pooped all over my dress, and I was terribly upset. Ms. Magnuson cleaned me up, and seeing that, my mom knew she was going to be a great teacher. I agree, she was.##imported-begin##Margaret Russo##imported-end##

Anonymous

1087w ago

For all of you that have written to my mother I want to thank you. She was a my best friend. I can tell you that teaching was a big part of my mothers life she was very sad when she retired. I have a wonderful family and would not have been able to get through this without them. We will carry on our traditions as she requested because she will be watching us very closely
Thank you,Barbara Green##imported-begin##Barbara Green##imported-end##

Anonymous

1087w ago

We have known Katherine, as only Dale was allowed to call her, since she was student teaching at Brown's Point. She was a delight to know and even more, a delight to observe in the classroom. Her "kids" always remember her, even when they are grown-ups and have great stories to tell. We love her sense of humor, her loyalty and her generosity of spirit. We will miss her, more than she would ever know. The family is in our thoughts today and we are truly sorry to not be able to attend to tell them in person how much she meant to us, especially to Dale, her co-teacher for her entire career. We hope and know that she is in a better place, free from pain. God bless you, Kay.##imported-begin##Dale and Ione Friend##imported-end##

Anonymous

1087w ago

To Jeff and family...we are so very sorry for your loss. But I know I saw Kay's smile in the break in the clouds today! :-) It is as I remember, and how it will always be, Kay, smiling down at you! Her spirit is strong. She was a remarkable lady. Hugs to all of you, Julie and Family##imported-begin##Julie Fleming-Suttich##imported-end##

Anonymous

1087w ago

Kay was so special! I worked with her for 18 years at Browns Point and there was no one that loved those little folks like Kay. The influence she had on those little lives will last their lifetime and undoubtedly will be passed on for generations. As a colleague she was the epitome of a team player. We had fun, got in a little trouble now and then, but always could go home laughing. I know the family will miss her as she was the their foundation.##imported-begin##Mardell Buffington##imported-end##

Anonymous

1087w ago

There is so much to say when I think of Kay. There are so many feelings. She was the most devoted person I have ever known when it came to her family. She loved each of then unconditionally. She showed me, and others, what devotion to people was all about, through her teaching, parenting and life of being Herm's wife. I have spent most of my growing up years with Kay somehow in my life - and I am very grateful. I will miss you Kay. I loved you & am thankful I was able to see you, hold your hand & tell you before you left us. Thank you for everything you have done. I wish I could have told you more.
Lisa Palmer##imported-begin##Lisa Palmer##imported-end##

Anonymous

1087w ago

I was truly blessed to have known Kay. Both my children were Charlie Browns. She not only took my children under her wing, she took me too. After 2 years of volunteering in her classroom, learning from her, her constant encouragement and support to work with kids, I was able to get a postion in the "same" school as her and was honored to work with her for many years. She shared her love of children with me. I will always keep you close in my heart. Thanks for everything "Mother Goose"##imported-begin##Rhonda Garrison##imported-end##

Anonymous

1087w ago

Katherine Magnuson was my daughter, Alycia's, kindergarten teacher at Browns Point Elementary School after transferring from another school mid-year. She welcomed Alycia into her classroom and made her feel like she belonged. She was a wonderful, caring teacher who always had a smile on her face. We use to joke about her not being able to retire until after my son finished kindergarten and had her for his teacher, but her retirement came one year to soon for that. She will never be forgotten. Our family was very saddened to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.##imported-begin##Alycia & Marlene (Holland) Robinson##imported-end##

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