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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Mike Brenner
Kathryn's Child
Kathryn "Kay" Winifred Brenner
July 22nd, 1931 - January 25th, 2024
July 22nd, 1931 - January 25th, 2024
Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.
Kathryn Winifred Beals was born on July 22, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up with her younger brothers in Michigan and Southern California. After from high school and Pasadena City College, she looked into Nursing, but then decided to enlist in the Navy in 1953, leaving before the birth of her first son in 1955. She married Joe Brenner in 1954, and gave birth to and raised three boys Sunnyvale, Californina, throughout the late 1950's, 60's and 70's. Kay and Joe were divorced in 1980, and then the fun began. Despite having to get a job to live, she traveled a lot during the rest of her life, visiting many countries in Europe and making trips Down Under. An avid reader of primarily Science Fiction and Fantasy, she was very much into traveling to SciFi/Fantasy conventions, meeting her favorite authors and TV actors, as well as finding new ones. She made friends wherever she went, and stayed in touch over the miles for many years. As her health declined and she was no longer able to travel, she continued to read, watch TV, and communicate with friends via the internet. Over the years, she was active in numerous volunteer activities, including telephone answering for KTEH fund drives, knitting hats and scarves for children in need, and donating blood regularly. She even canvassed for the 2010 US Census. The last few years were difficult for her as her frequent smoking in earlier life finally caught up with her. She died peacefully in the hospital on January 25, 2024 after a ten-day struggle with breathing difficulties and pneumonia. She was a remarkable woman, kind, and well-liked. She is deeply missed by her family and friends.
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Resting Place
In San Francisco Bay off Angel Island State Park
37.867209972967146, -122.42111935210124
Tributes
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Diane Hoxeng
Kay taught me to use my new Kenmore sewing machine that my parents bought me upon graduating from middle school in 1969. Her lessons still resonate: I continue to be an avid sewer and quilter, some 55 years later. Thank you, Mrs. Brenner. I will never forget you.
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