Mary Kathleen ''Kathy'' Tarabochia
August 13, 1948 - February 8, 2004
Obituary
Mary Kathleen Kathy Tarabochia
Loving mother and devoted spouse, died suddenly on February 8, 2004, with her husband and two of four children near her side. Kathy was born August 13, 1948 to Arnold and Billie Rabe in Los Angeles. She grew up in LA, and moved to Seattle in 1971 to be near her sister, Dianne, and brother, Don. Kathy met Richard on Groundhog’s Day in 1974. He proposed two weeks later. They were married November 16th of the same year. Their daughter, Kristin, was born in 1976, and their sons, Ryan and Nick, in 1980 and 1985. Kathy loved to be around family and friends, always wearing a smile. Her favorite activities were gardening and sewing. She was always involved in her kids sporting events and Croatian dance groups. Kathy was a receptionist at Greentree Animal Hospital in West Seattle since 1991. She is survived by her loving husband Richard, children, Sean, Kristin, Ryan, and Nicholas, brother Don Rabe, and sister Dianne Rabe Backhus. Funeral services will be at Hope Lutheran Church in West Seattle, located on 42nd Ave SW and SW Oregon Street, on Wednesday, February 11th at 11:00am. Burial will be at the Washington Memorial Cemetery at 2:30pm.
Nick, I offer my condolences to you and your family. You are missed at school and if there is anything I can do for you let my know.
In Sympathy,
Jeff Egbert friend from O’Dea
Dear Richard and family,
We were shocked to hear of Kathy’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. She will live in your memories forever — all of the happy and better times will prevail.
Our hearts are very heavy this evening with the sadness of the loss of our friend Kathy. She was always so friendly and warm and Chelan has been especially touched by this loss. She shared a touching story about how Kathy, on several occasions, took the time to praise her dancing in the group and that made Chelan feel special. We all deeply feel your families loss. In faith, John, Barb, Chelan, Maxwell, and Raquel Vukas
We wanted you to know that although we were not close friends,Kathy touched our lives. Chatting at a basketball game,discussing a sewing project or helping us with Joey at Greentree, she always had a kind word and a warm smile.We are grateful to have known her.May God bless and comfort you all.
Deepest sympathy
Dear Tarabochia Family,
I knew Kathy from Greentree Animal Hospitalwhich I have been a client for many years
She was always warm,kind friendly and compassionate.
She will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time.
God’s Love and Blessings
Doug
Kathy will always be an intergal part of my pets and their adventures at Greentree. She was fun, quick and caring- The person who would look out for Munch and now Shadow when they were there. I will miss the security of calling and knowing she was there. Few of us have the gift of instant caring and love of life Kathy had. I will always remember her.
As a client of Greentree Animal Hospital, I and my dogs, Gracie and Zoe, and my partner Rose will miss Kathy’s smile and her care for us. She always remembered our dogs by name. We are saddened by news of her death and will miss her.
I am a client at Greetree and always looked forward to calling or going in in the mornings when Kathy was there. She was always cheerful,caring and efficient. I always felt like she was someone I would like to have as a friend.
I usually spoke to Kathy to renew my cat’s prescription medicine. She always remembered me and my cat, and was a pleasure speak to. I will miss seeing her. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Richard, and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Kristin and Stacy went to rainbow daycare and were very good friends around the ages of 4-5. We took them to Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor for
Stacy’s birthday.
Dan and I talked with you and Cathy a few times back then. I remember how Cathy had
yours and her pictures from when you were kids, on your wall, and then Kristens and Ryans pictures. I remember how
easy going Cathy was, and how much she loved you and your children. Maureen and Dan
McNamara
Our dog Lizzy was a long time client at Greentree. She absolutely loved the Greentree office staff, but especially Kathy – she always got to go behind the desk and visit with her and get a special treat.
When Lizzy was a frequent visitor due to her ill health, Kathy was such a great comfort to both her and us. Even though it has been a few years since Lizzy’s passing, we’ll never forget our last trip into the office – Kathy gave Lizzy and us big hugs and told us how much she cared for Lizzy. Kathy made the unpleasant day just a little bit easier to take. We still thank her to this day for being there.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tarabochia family at this difficult time.
Michael & John
I’m so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. I knew her through Greentree. She always had a smile on everytime I went there and we always found something to laugh about everytime I was in with my ‘Lucky’ cat…he was lucky to be alive it was as if he had no fear and was testing everyone of those 9 lives and he was usually the object of our laughter. She got along well with all the pets passing through the office and I’m sure she’ll have lots of animal company on the other side. She’ll be missed by so many. My Love and prayers go out to you. Sue Sentz
I am a long time customer of Greentree. Kathy always had a kind word for whatever pet I happened to be bringing in that day. One particular visit comes to mind. Thomas, a cat I dearly loved, had been hit by a car and by the time I found him he was a little stiff. Kathy was so kind and compasionate when i brought Thomas in. She took the cat wrapped in a towel and treated him and myself with commpassion and caring.An emotional customer with a stiff cat.
Kathy truley will be missed. But now Thomas has a new lap to rest upon. I am so sorry for your loss.
My prayers are with your family.
Peggy Ball
Dear Tarabochia Family,
I knew Kathy from Greentree Animal Hospital.
She always greeted us with a BIG SMILE and HUGS. She will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time.
Rudy, Dinah, Sandee and Ray
Dear Richard, Kristin, Ryan and Nick,
Words cannot adequately convey my profound sympathy to you all in this time of grief. Kathy’s life filled so many hearts with warmth, love and caring. What a loving tribute the eulogy was and how poised was Kristin! It’s been said that a mother holds her children’s hands for just a little while, but their hearts forever. May keeping Kathy’s memory in your hearts ease the pain of facing each new day. I am so sorry for your loss.
Barb
Richard & Family,
We were saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. We have many fond memories of years spent at baseball together. We will not forget her. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Mac, Connie, Jeremiah, Jon, Joel & Josh
Dear, sweet Kathy
I wonder if you realized how many lives you touched. Your legacy will live on with your loving husband and beautiful children. You will be the brightest star in the sky! Till we meet again.
Nancy
It’s true that you really were smiling all the time. I will miss you so much Aunt Kathy, but I’ll see you when I get there. I love you.
I was truly saddened when I read that Kathy had passed away. I’ve been a client of Greentree for over 10 years. I came to learn what a great asset she was. Whenever I called first thing in the morning regarding a health issue with my dog, not only would she advise or make arrangements very efficiently but you could also tell she truly cared. What a great relief for a pet owner – especially when you’re worried sick about your pet! She will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Leslie
Dear Richard and all our friends in the Tarabochia family,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved, Kathy. She always had such a calm, kind manner, and her love for her husband and children was obvious to all as was your devotion to her. Her generous spirit lives on in the beautiful Croatian costumes she created, and we will think of her every time we see them. Please know that each of you is in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and give you strength during this difficult time.
Love, Mary, Robert, Briana, and Aleah
Thankyou Kathy for taking such wonderful care over the years of my three dogs and when needed me too.
dear Richie and family.
the pochepans are with you in sorrow from the passing of Kathy. we will remember all the good times to be stored in our memory boxes.
Honey B,what a gem of a person you were. You believed in me in everything I did. And you believed in us too. I always told you “I love you more than you’ll ever know”. Now you know.
Forever your Honey B, Richard
Richard, I am deeply saddened by Kathy’s sudden passing. Even though we haven’t keep in contact, I still considered her my friend. I will always remember her as a very loving, passionate and giving person, who gave freely and asked for nothing in return. My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
Carol Huston Pletz
Worked with Kathy at Puget Sound Freight Lines for 13 Years.
Dear Richard and family, I loved the picture you chose for Kathy’s memorial picture. It is so like her. That smile of hers could warm anyone’s heart and it did. That smile was put there by you Richard for being such a wonderful and loving husband to her…that smile was put there by Sean, Kristin, Ryan and Nick because she had so much pride in you as her children and you brought her so much joy… and that smile was put there by her friends and she had many who loved and cared for her so much. She led such a wonderful full and happy life in the short time she was with us. Be happy knowing that and be happy knowing that she is in a wonderful place now with all of our other loved ones that have passed on. Miss her but be happy. She would want that.
Your friend,
Char
We were extremely saddened by the untimely and unexpected passing of Kathy. Even though we didn’t have a personal relationship with Kathy, everything we have heard of her was so wonderful; a fantastic wife & mother & a tireless worker for the SJT’s. We are confident that she is in a wonderful place even though it is so difficult for the people that are left behind. All of our prayers and thoughts as this most challenging time.
Dearest Richard & Family,
We were so terribly sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was such a special person and will any have a special place in our heart, as well as you, for the kindness & love you both showed Megan when she was an infant. She was a dear person and will be missed. Our prayers are with you and the children.
All our Love,
Dave, Sandy & Megan DuBuque
Richard, Kristin, Ryan and Nick,
You all have been dear friends and a special part of our group. Kathy’s contribution to the Seattle Jr. Tamburitzans in her sewing of traditional costumes is a testament to your family’s pride in Croatian heritage. Every time the young people wear her beautiful costumes, her spirit will be with us. We will all miss her warm smile and wonderful laugh.
Slava Joj Vjecna
John Morovich
Director, Seattle Junior Tamburitzans
Death is the destination for all men. The living should keep this in mind. Ecc. Chap. 7. May your soul rest in heavenly peace. Amen.
Lighton – Bianca’s workmate.
Dear Richard & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Kath’s passing. She was a wonderful person with an abundant amount of good qualities. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Love, Mike & Joanne
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you on the loss of Kathy. I have so many great memories of working with her at PSFL and all the camping trips we took together. She will be greatly missed.
I am so sad to hear of Kathy’s sudden death. I have known her through bringing my pets to Greentree for many years. She and I had many laughs over the years, as I am inclined to chat and she was a great conversationalist. She was also a great comfort to me at times of serious illness with my dog Mitzi. Even though that was years ago, Kathy would always ask me how she was doing. I always would smile when I would hear Kathy’s voice on the other end of the phone line. I knew that she was always busy, but never came across as rushed. In these seemingly insignificant ways Kathy made a very significant impact on me, and I will miss her horribly. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Monica Kenny
Kristin was my teacher, she deserved this. She is total a cunt