Kathleen “Kathy” Hoffard Kennedy November 15, 1962 - July 18, 2022

Kathy was one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever known. Her infectious laugh with a happy snort attracted everyone around her. Her giving heart and supportive nature made her truly one of a kind.

Kathleen Hoffard-Kennedy was born the 4th child to Leon and Charlene Hoffard. She grew up in Portland Oregon along with her other five siblings, Julie, Lee, Chuck, Johnny, and Francie completing the family tree. From a young age Kathy loved the outdoors. She traveled with the family often to many different locations staying active with what the Pacific Northwest had to offer. The Hoffard clan loved to stay active with fishing, hunting, crabbing, and clamming. This remained close to Kathy’s heart, and she continued these hobbies into her adult life. She was a true sister of the mountains and sea.

In Kathy’s younger years, she attended St. Peter’s and Gilbert Elementary where she was an active member in all things sport. Softball and Volleyball were some of her favorite sports. She graduated from David Douglas High school. She was a member in the school’s cheerleading squad as well as represented the school on the skiing team. With a kind soul and the love of her family, she was always there to support her siblings by carpooling her brothers, sisters, and friends to the many sport functions and activities. Kathy moved to Hawaii after high school for several years which she always referred to as her second home.

After returning home from Hawaii, she fell in love with a young man named, Jim Kennedy. They dated for a few years and soon married. She had a beautiful wedding with 600 people in attendance. Kathy took on the role of wife, creating a great home for her family. Her love of flowers and vegetable gardening shined through as she truly had a green thumb. After a few years, things did not work out for Kathy and Jim and their relationship ended. She was fortunate to meet another man, Mark Nelson. Mark and Kathy quickly became close, sharing their interest and love of the outdoor life. Since meeting, they remained together for over 30+ years and shared her remaining life together.

To know Kathy was to love Kathy. From her devilish personality, her caregiving soul, love of animals, and supportive nature truly made her a unique individual. Kathy loved and enjoyed life. She loved to gamble, hang with the bunco ladies, and spend time with her friends and family. To Kathy, this was the best part of life; being present. As the years progressed, Kathy became sick and suffered from multiple health issues that she kept well hidden. Kathy had no children of her own but loved the many nieces and nephews and cherished the time she shared with them.  She was a strong woman and not the type to complain even when she was in pain. She will always be remembered for the kindness and the love she showed to everyone around her. Rest in peace.