Kathleen Mae Harper
February 18, 1946 - January 10, 2023
Obituary
Kathleen Mae Harper (Kathy) of Des Moines, Washington passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 10, 2023. She was 76 years young.
Kathy’s deep love for her family, a passion for helping others, an intimate connection with animals and her competitive spirit fueled her daily.
Born in Yonkers, New York to Edward and Mae Rogers, Kathy was the youngest of 3 girls. Kathy’s father passed when she was young, and this experience shaped her the rest of her life. Kathy was brave, strong and opinionated.
Kathy graduated from Oak Park Nursing school in 1968. During her 30+ year RN career, Kathy specialized in kidney dialysis care working for the NW Kidney Center and later, home health care for terminally ill patients. After leaving the medical field, Kathy spent the next decade (till retirement) as Office Manager/Treasurer/Chief Mom/Head Dog Walker of SHJ Electric Inc, the electrical contracting company owned and operated by Stephanie Harper and Dale Harper.
Kathy met her beloved husband of 57 years, Dale Lee Harper right out of high school. Kathleen Mae Rogers (maiden name) married Dale Lee Harper on September 11, 1965. Together they have 2 daughters, Michele Livingston and Stephanie O’Neill. In 1978, Kathy and Dale made the courageous decision to leave Chicago, Illinois and move west to Seattle, Washington, where Kathy’s sister Mary lived. With two middle school daughters and one dog in tow, they sold what they had in Chicago (home, horses, business) and trekked west.
Kathy was not one to sit idle. Her energy came from being engaged in activities with her family and friends. Kathy had a passion for golf and horses. Not wanting to sit home alone while Dale was out golfing, she quickly took up the sport to play with him. For over 50 years she has enjoyed the game, playing regularly with friends and family around the world. She was one of 5 women in Washington State to play in the US Amateur in 1994. Her childhood passion of all things equestrian led her to fulfill that dream by owning and showing horses for two decades.
Kathy had an innate way of knowing when you needed a friend, a listening ear or helping hand. She had a special way of caring for others. Kathy also was never one to shy away from a good debate. She enjoyed hearing other’s perspective and liked the friendly banter that often ensued.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband Dale Lee Harper, her daughters Michele Livingston and Stephanie O’Neill, her son in laws, Michael Livingston and Timothy O’Neill, her favorite (and only) grandson Matthew Livingston, and her sisters Joann Long and Dr. Mary Gillmore. In addition, Kathy has numerous nieces and nephews she so dearly loved. Her family meant the world to her. The love in our family flows strong and deep, leaving us memories to treasure and keep.
Family and Friends please join us to Celebrate Kathleen Harper’s Life on February 18, 2023, at Glen Acres Golf & Country Club, 1pm-4pm. We will remember together the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life she lived when she was strong.
In lieu of flowers a donation to American Lung Association.
A beautiful person who will be greatly missed❤️
So many memories. I’ll miss you girlfriend….Tones
Great friend filled with love, joy and laughter.
I will miss her greatly.
Such a wonderful, loving friend that we will miss dearly. Many great memories of the times we spent together playing golf, walks, dinners, Kentucky Derby, Alaska Cruise, sips of Chardonnay and many more! An all around wonderful person and friend. Our hearts go out to Dale and family. God Bless.
We always enjoyed meeting up with Kathy and Dale. Unfortunately, it wasn’t often enough. She was charming, witty and such a joy. It was our honor to know her and be called her friend. She will definitely be missed but forever in our hearts. Prayers and love go out to her family. Looking forward to sharing in her celebration of life on Feb. 18th.
Jack & Jo Ann Coble
We are sending all our love to the Harper Family and our Aunt Stephanie. We know how close the family is and how they are missing Kathleen. We give you hugs and lots of love everyday and we are always here for you.
Kathy was one of my favorite people of all time! Loved her wit, her sass and the amazing heart she had for everyone! One of my best life memories was being in college and descending on Kathy and Dale’s house on Sunday afternoons to watch the Seahawks with them and Stephanie. They truly made everyone who walked into the house feel like part of the Harper family! Kathy was a true gift to her family and friends!
I can’t believe my sister is no longer with us. She was a wonderful sister always there if I needed her. We had many good times together . I last saw her on Christmas Day and never imagined I would not see her again. My heart is broken.
Kathy, we spent so many fun times together. Times playing golf, enjoying wonderful dinners at the Harper house and special dining out get-togethers. Memories of you will be cherished.
It is a blessing to have spent precious time with you!
Joan
Such a lovely person and can’t believe that she has left us. Will miss her and cherish the memories.
She was a dear friend and I have wonderful memories of many discussions with Kathy.
Cindy
Sleep well my precious friend. Jan
Thank you all for so much love. Stephanie
I will cherish the many years of great memories and friendship starting at Jefferson Park. Thank you Kathy. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten ❤️
My heart is broken too.
Aunt Kathy is so dearly missed and loved by all of us. She always took the time to be there for each and everyone of us nieces and nephews including all of our children ( which is alot) with her listening ear, sharp wit, laughter and a bit of advice. We are blessed to have had you in our lives. Uncle Dale and family, we love you all and are sending lots of love and prayers your way.
Sara and Robert Blakey
We will miss her sparkle, wit, and deadpan humor. Kathy was truly a delight.