Kathryn Sheck's Obituary
This page is in memory of Kathryn J. Sheck, and is a celebration of her life. Kathy, as she was to those who knew her, was born on April 23, 1947 to Alvin and Marian Birchman. Just after the sun rose on the morning of July 29th 2013, she passed away in the presence of her loved ones at 7:46am.
Kathy was the second of three children, the first of whom was her sister Pat, and the youngest was her brother Joel. She attended Mount Tahoma High School, and later met Ray, an ABE-3 in the United States Navy, at Central Baptist Church. After a 2 year long courtship, they got married on August 7th, 1971 at the church where they met. Ray was stationed on a Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island during 1971 and ‘72, and from there they moved to California, where they lived for 7 years. They then moved to Graham, Washington in 1979, where they designed the home that they would share for their entire 44 years together. Her strong nature and inimitable spirit blossomed after she was diagnosed with, and later conquered, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was 20 years old. She had a re-occurrence of the cancer during her pregnancy with their first child, a son named Eric who was born on June 13, 1974. She bravely endured until after his birth, when she fought and claimed victory over the illness. Some years later she longed for a daughter. They then opened their hearts and home to Patty, whom they adopted and loved as their own. Kathy discovered her passion and talent for working with the elderly while she was a caretaker for her grandparents Wally and Domie Allen. She later attended Clover Park Technical School where she earned her Activity Director Certification. After graduation she began her career as an Activity Director at several nursing homes throughout Tacoma. Kathy had a huge heart with infinite compassion for those who are suffering, and to her residents, she was a ray of sunshine and hope. Kathy was someone who brought joy into their daily lives with crafts, games, visits, and sometimes just an ear to listen. She had a special place in her heart for patients with Alzheimer’s, and was a vocal advocate for the advancements and treatment of the disease. She retired in 2012 after serving the elderly and ailing community for 20+ years. She was a dedicated member of the Crossroads Church where she served the Lord unconditionally and faithfully. When thanked for her compassion, or praised for her strength, she humbly redirected all of the credit to God. Her love for Winnie the Pooh’s “Tigger” brought her great joy, and she was also a huge NASCAR fan, attending the Las Vegas race every year since 2000, cheering on her favorite driver, Carl Edwards. She also loved angels, lighthouses, puzzles, and her grandchildren Carson and RJ, (Eric and his wife Cheri’s children) and Elijah (Patty’s son).
Kathy is survived by her husband Ray, her son Eric, his wife Cheri and their children RJ and Carson, Her daughter Patty, husband Keith, and Patty’s son Elijah, her father Al, her sister Pat and husband Dave, her brother Joel and his wife Heather, and a cherished host of cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, an aunt, in-laws and dear friends. She touched many lives, and she will never be forgotten.
Kathy would want the atmosphere at her service to be Celebration of her life, and worshipful of God. It will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at the Crossroads Church, located at 3509 Military Rd. East, Tacoma, WA 98446.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Please sign online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
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