Katherine Grace Guinan

 

image of Katherine Grace Guinan

Katherine Grace Guinan

Katherine “Kitty” Grace Guinan was born November 7, 1951 to James and Lucille Hawkins in Seattle, Washington. Born during Leonid’s Meteor Shower was foretelling of the bright light that she would become for all those in the world who knew her. She grew up as the middle child of five in a travelling family, spending most of her early years in Yakima (WA), Honolulu (HI) and Kirkland (WA). Kitty graduated from Lake Washington High School,was elected Senior Class Secretary; and as the Annual staff photographer she began her life-long love of photography. She captured and catalogued many photos that will remain treasured memories for family and friends. Kitty earned her degree in Special Education from Washington State University. Teaching wasn’t just her career for over thirty years, it was her passion; she taught and inspired generations of children at Emily Dickinson and Thoreau Elementary in Kirkland. After retirement she devoted herself to volunteering in Special Education and was recognized with the Golden Acorn Award, granted to volunteers who provide exceptional service to children in a school community.

Kitty was united in marriage to Bob Guinan for 30 years until his passing in 2007. They shared birthdays one day apart and she was known for throwing him some amazing surprise parties. They were blessed with two children. They built and lived in one home on Lake Washington for their entire lives. They cherished their home and community. When they weren’t admiring the sunsets over the lake at home they enjoyed traveling. Hawaii was one of her favorite destinations; Kitty most recently had her seventieth birthday celebration on the Big Island. Her zeal for life was contagious and there was “never a bad day”. She loved walking, sipping her lattes, exploring the Pacific Northwest and spending time with her kids, her beloved granddaughters and many friends. To know Kitty was to know a loyal friend, a devoted sister and a loving mother and grandmother. She passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2024 in her home in Kenmore, her kids at her side. She had been courageously battling cancer for the last four years. Her family and friends gave their endless support and love during her journey. She is survived by her daughter Kristin (Marcus) Shoup, son Tommy (Robyn) Guinan, sisters Trudi Syferd and Heidi (Kevin) Stigile, and brothers Randy (Janet) Hawkins) and Scott (Gale) Hawkins). She has two granddaughters, Maizie and Lucy Shoup. Kitty was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Bob. She will be greatly missed but her legacy of strength, courage, love and friendship will live on forever.

There will be a celebration of her life held at The Lodge at St. Edward Park in Kenmore on Friday, February 21st from noon to 4 pm.

Please join us in wearing your favorite bright color to celebrate Kitty’s life. Speakers will start at 12pm with food and refreshments served afterwards.

Please bring your WA State Parking pass to park in the state park lots around The Lodge, otherwise, valet parking at The Lodge is available or daily or annual parking passes can be purchased on site.

Celebration: Feb. 21st, 2025 from 12:00pm-4:00pm in The Remington Room at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park, 14477 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore WA 98028.

9 Responses to “Katherine Grace Guinan”

  • Cathie Lindgren says:

    I am sorry to hear of Kitty’s passing. I have many fond memories of working alongside Kitty at Thoreau Elementary. May Kitty rest in peace.

  • Elizabeth Thorson says:

    Kitty was the most precious, wonderful, sweet, kind, thoughtful, generous friend. I cherish all of my memories of our decades long friendship. I will miss her forever.

  • "Bibbabiff" says:

    I love you Kitty. Mele Kalikimaka for ever.

  • Steven Watson says:

    You are my friend, and you mean more to me than anything I own…My friend, and you’re all the feelings that I’ve ever known. You make the good times better, the bad times aren’t so blue, and love’s a whole lot bigger word around you.
    Written after Kitty spent an afternoon listening and giving support to my wife and I after we received a diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy for our 3 yr old son. What a true friend. Mike McCoy put the words to music, and it stands as a tribute to Kitty’s grace and caring. Godspeed Kitty.

  • Geri Ward says:

    Dearest Kitty, I have always loved you like family since the day we met and started working together. We laughed, we cried, we had fun times together. You will always be kept alive through my precious memories of you. Your light will continue to shine!❤️🙏🏻

  • Diane McKee (Dede) says:

    My beautiful precious cousin Kitty, you remain so close to me in love and spirit as I think of you so often. I continue to include you in my daily prayers as I have for the past 3 years. My prayers now are peaceful, joyful, as I smile envisioning your radiant presence in heaven, reunited with your cherished Bob and so many other beautiful spirits, my son Brandon included.
    You were that radiant light throughout your life with your loving, caring, positive fun loving nature. You are truly an inspiration to anyone that had the blessings of knowing you. You demonstrated that rare quality as you so “Gracefully”, dealt with the past 3 years. I felt uplifted, hopeful every time I talked to you, as you comforted me through your words and always calm loving voice. You are a rare gem and I know how grateful you were for all the blessings in your life especially your incredible kids and granddaughters as you battled cancer so hard, to give you all more time together.
    Your delightful spirit lives on my precious cousin as I feel it every day. You have and will continue to inspire me and many others as you are one of the most incredible people I will ever know.
    I love you cousin every day and through eternity.💞💚

  • Charlotte bHill says:

    Kitty,
    You took over my classroom when I had to leave Thoreau on Medical leave. Thank you. You were a wonderful teacher, and loved by parents, students and staff.

    Charlotte Hill

  • Laurie Murphy says:

    Dear Friend,

    When I think of friendship, kindness, smiles and caring I think of you.
    I will always cherish our early teaching years, fortunate to have each other as mentors in our careers. The end of year water balloon fights were the best then our yearly reunions with Joanne and Liz. I will miss you and remember you forever.

  • BUCK HOFFMAN says:

    PRECIOUS MEMORIES of Kitty, at Camp Burton with 6th-grade students, many of them from your teaching them in the primary grades. Such a beautiful smile and spirit. Always remembered and cherished positive impact forever.

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