Loved ones of a late Cordova mother and son duo will be hosting a celebration of life next week at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
The celebration of life on July 16 will honor Kathy Zamudio, who died in Washington unexpectedly in 2024, and her son Enrique Zamudio, a Cordova High School alum who died in 2016 just three months after his high school graduation.
Originally from Arizona, Kathy moved to Ketchikan in 1986 with her husband and worked at the Ketchikan General Hospital, Holy Name School and the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District. She later worked for the Juneau School District and the Cordova City School District, and also served as the Music Camp director in Cordova for 10 years.
Shortly after her son Enrique’s 18th birthday, he was killed in a drunk driving accident on First Street near the ferry terminal. His then- 19-year-old friend who was driving the car, JohnDavid “J.D.” Stimson, was sentenced to three years in prison in 2017 for criminally negligent homicide and driving under the influence.
At Stimson’s sentencing hearing, Kathy reminisced about her son’s passion for the arts, especially music. At the time of his death, Enrique had worked to earn money for college and was dreaming of one day becoming a successful musician.
“I would always listen, turn off the T.V., and sit upstairs and listen to him,” Kathy told the courthouse. “When I talk about my boys, I realize I won’t have any more memories of my boys together. I have my eldest son, who is now my only son.”
Kathy’s husband of 40 years Keith Zamudio wrote in her obituary: “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 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.”
Kathy is survived by her husband Keith, her son Adam Hasse-Zamudio, as well as brothers and sisters, and other family members. She was preceded in death by her son Enrique, as well as her parents Henry and Ernestine Hernandez.
The July 16 celebration of life will begin with a 6 p.m. service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, followed by a potluck dinner.
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