By The Zamudio Family
On June 23, 2024 Kathleen Zamudio, of Ketchikan, Alaska, unexpectedly passed away in Bellingham, Washington with her husband Keith at her side.
Kathy Zamudio (née Hernandez) was born on Feb. 4, 1962 in Yuma, Arizona. She is a 1980 graduate of Yuma High School, and she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Arizona State University in 1983.
Kathy married Keith on Jan. 26, 1984, in Yuma. Kathy and Keith moved to Ketchikan in September 1986 with all their worldly possessions and no jobs. Kathy worked at Ketchikan General Hospital, was a teacher for Holy Name School, and worked part time for the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District. Kathy later also worked for the Juneau School District and the Cordova City School District. Kathy also owned her own business, Maritime Administrative Services, documenting boats.
After the birth of her first son, Kathy decided to be the primary caregiver in her home. Kathy was always an active member of the community. She volunteered her time with Head Start in Angoon, school organizations in Angoon, Juneau, and Cordova, and was the Music Camp director in Cordova for 10 years. Kathy loved life and always enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, gardening, rock collecting, traveling, weight training, and fishing. She was also a fan of going to Major League Baseball games.
Kathy adopted Alaska as her home. She was an active Ketchikan Garden Club member, and a Walkie Talkies Storm Troopers Trail Chief. Kathy’s garden was her masterpiece in a land of muskegs, and she created a peaceful, serene and inviting environment in her home for family, friends, and guests.
Kathy is preceded in death by her youngest son, Enrique Samuel Zamudio, and her beloved parents, Henry and Ernestine Hernandez.
Kathy is survived by Keith Zamudio, her husband of 40 years; her son Adam (Ariel) Hasse-Zamudio; brothers and sisters Nicky Hernandez, Jeri (Jerry) Jackson, Augie Hernandez, Patsy (Leonard) Williams, and Henry (Karen) Hernandez; 17 nieces and nephews, 16 great nieces and nephews, a great-great niece and nephew; and the Medina family.
Her husband writes, “Our lives were blessed with an angel for over 40 years. Kathy Zamudio taught me how to be a better person — a guiding light in my life. Kathy was a woman, daughter, sister, partner, confidante, best friend, lover, mother, homemaker, educator, and the love of my life. Kathy was the heartthrob of our family — a presence of reason and calm. Kathy’s smile was infectious, joyful, and would brighten your day. She is missed.”
Funeral services were held at Holy Name Catholic Church on July 18.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at TFCU. All donations will be used to continue the music scholarships the Zamudio family currently supports.
Kathy’s family wishes to express their appreciation to everyone who has sent condolences, extended courtesies, and shared tributes.
