Obituary

Katy Wilson (born Kathleen Audrey Durkin) — cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend — passed away peacefully in Bothell, Washington on June 17, 2025, after a short battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia, also known as Frontotemporal Dementia.

Katy was born in Bellingham, Washington on May 5, 1943. She met her future husband, Kim Wilson, at the age of 13 while picking strawberries for pay during the summer before 7th grade. Kim, who was going into the 9th grade, would be her classmate that autumn in a small yearbook class of just eight students. Remarkably, four of those students would eventually marry each other, with Kim and Katy among them. They wed in February of 1962.

Following Kim’s college graduation, the couple moved to Edmonds, Washington in the summer of 1963, where Kim began his teaching career in the Edmonds School District and Katy continued to pursue her college education and later began her own teaching career in the same school district.

By 1967, Kim and Katy were the proud parents of their three sons: David, Doug, and Daryl. That same year, while raising her growing family, Katy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Western Washington State College (the name of WWU at the time) in Bellingham, Washington. Her commitment to lifelong learning continued as she earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education in 1978, taking summer classes while working, parenting, and managing a busy household.

Katy taught in the Edmonds School District for over 40 years, retiring in June of 2008 from Hilltop Elementary. Her love for students and her colleagues kept her joyfully connected to the school community even after retirement, as she often returned to campus as a substitute teacher and administrator. While she may have retired from the classroom, Katy never retired from — nor tired of — living with joy and purpose. A lifelong learner and nurturer, she continued her passion for teaching by volunteering in the elementary classrooms of her grandchildren. She was a devoted attendee at their many musical concerts, track meets, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and football games, and proudly celebrated their high school and college graduations. She was a cheerful presence at numerous local high school sporting events, even when no family members were participating. A member of Alderwood Community Church since 1973, Katy regularly attended services and remained active in her faith community.

Katy was honored to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Society, as her research into family history confirmed that several of her ancestors had fought in the Revolutionary War. Through DAR, Katy participated in projects promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism across the United States.

As a member and treasurer of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood, Katy found deep fulfillment in celebrating, educating, and empowering women alongside others who shared her values.

Katy also enjoyed spending time with close friends through her exercise group, book club, and quilting club. She made beautiful quilts for friends and family and passed on her love of reading to her grandchildren. Gardening was another of her favorite pastimes. She took pride in designing and maintaining the beautiful landscaping at the home she shared with Kim in Lynnwood, Washington.

An avid Beanie Baby collector for many years (even after the initial craze faded), Katy’s enthusiasm for those little stuffed animals was shared with her grandkids, to whom she often gifted one on birthdays and special occasions. Her collection neared a thousand Beanie Babies, with one of her favorites — ‘Bearon the Bear’ — appearing regularly in her travel photos with friends and family. ‘Bearon’ accompanied Katy and Kim on countless adventures such as camping across the country in their fifth-wheel trailer, exploring Europe and the Holy Lands, and cruising to Alaska.

Katy’s no-nonsense advice and effortless ability to chat for hours on end were legendary. For those fortunate enough to have known her (and to get through to her on the phone line), those conversations will certainly be missed. To her family, she was a constant source of support and a calming presence, always ready with a reassuring smile.

Katy gave generously in every aspect of her life, investing in her family, friends, students, church, and community. It brought her genuine pleasure to make a difference in the lives of others.

Katy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Kim, with whom she lived at The Chateau at Bothell Landing; her three sons: David (Cheryl) of Helena, Montana, Doug (Tina) of Bothell, Washington, and Daryl (Dani) of Gilbert, Arizona, eight grandchildren: Garret, Ashley, Brennan, Colby, Tarah, Andrew, Ariana, and Avarey; two great-grandchildren: Ava and Riggs; and her sister, Pat.

A memorial service to celebrate Katy’s life will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in the main sanctuary at Alderwood Community Church in Lynnwood, Washington. Please feel free to wear a shade of purple, Katy’s favorite color.

Interment will also take place on Friday, July 18, at 9:30 AM, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ferndale, Washington. While guest attendance at the interment is not expected, all are welcome.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alderwood Community Church, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), or Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), in the name of Kathleen ‘Katy’ Wilson.