Obituary of Kathy Doerksen
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,
they are the charming gardeners who make
our souls blossom.”
Marcel Proust
In the early morning hours of July 7th, 2022, after an intense battle with cancer, Kathy Doerksen passed from this world and was ushered into the presence of God.
Kathy was a Santa Cruz native and was born to Carl and Thelma Sawyer on August 12th, 1958, at the old Dominican Hospital. Her father died when she was seven and she missed him dearly. She remembered going to the donut shop on Saturdays, just her and her dad. Kathy supported her mom and herself through high school and beyond.
She met her soon to be husband, Dan, at Harbor High School. They were married on July 22nd, 1978 and enjoyed forty four years together. Kathy and Dan lost a child to meconium aspiration on August 29, 1981. Their son Kyle was born on June 16, 1987. This was a very special day in Kathy’s life.
She embodied love and empathy. Her driving force in life was to be a great wife and mother—her fierce devotion to this was unrivaled. The care and encouragement she provided to her husband and son never ceased and she always put them ahead of herself. She was a truly selfless person.
Kathy loved people. No birthday went uncelebrated, no holiday was missed, and there was always a reason to throw a party. She experienced joy by bringing happiness to other people, and she was always most in her element when she was hosting a movie night in the backyard or throwing an extravagant themed event for a loved one. She had an incredible gift for making those around her feel special and unique.
She loved simple beauty and was often found in her gardens, planting flowers and re-filling bird feeders. Kathy was a keen observer, and no moment of beauty went unnoticed—a budding rose, or a bluebird building a nest were moments to be celebrated. This ability to observe filled her with understanding and wisdom. Friends often came to her for advice, and she was always there to listen and give a thoughtful word when needed.
Kathy was a remarkable woman who experienced many hardships in her life, yet her faith in God never wavered. She was someone who recognized the darkness in life but chose to shine a light through it, providing joy, love and hope to all those she encountered. She was a true gift.
She leaves behind a long list of family and friends too numerous to mention. Kathy was preceded in death by her first son, Bradley, both of her parents and brother Carl.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Vintage Faith Church. The church is located at 350 Mission Street in Santa Cruz. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Kathy’s favorite organizations. Give Me Hope www.givemehopeinc.org or Jacob’s Heart. www.jacobsheart.org.
