Kathleen “Kathy” Ellen Smith (Welch) died peacefully on April 9, 2019 in Port Townsend, WA. She was 80 years old. Kathy was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, much of that time spent on her family’s dairy farm near Yelm, WA. She graduated from Yelm High School and in 1956 she married Gary Smith and together they raised 11 children.
She somehow found time to pursue a variety of interests including painting, playing the piano, and knitting quilts for her ever-expanding family.
In 1981 Kathy and Gary relocated to Pt. Townsend, WA where they spent the remainder of their adult lives. Kathy was very strong in her faith and an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pt. Townsend where she participated in a weekly rosary making group.
She was also very proud of her Irish heritage and a highlight of her life was visiting her ancestral home in County Limerick Ireland.
Gary preceded Kathy in death, as did 3 brothers, a sister, 2 of her children and 2 grandchildren. She is survived by her 11 children, 2 sisters, 31 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. All of her children and many other family members were with her during her final hours. The family requests memorials be sent to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
A celebration of her life will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish Hall, 1335 Blaine Street Pt. Townsend, WA on Saturday April 13, 2019 at 2 PM – 4 PM.
