Mary Kathleen “Kathi” Cecilia Barrett Nelson

Kathi was born on 30 April 1953 and died on 29 May 2023 from the devastating effects of a grade 4 Glioblastoma (Brain Cancer). A four-time cancer survivor from the age of 42, Kathi was a resilient and loving woman full of life. She grew upon the east bench in Salt Lake and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary, Clayton Jr. High, East High School and LDS Business College. In 1972 Kathi married Paul Nelson at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Waikiki Hawaii.

Kathi’s work life was in retail, banking and as a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) coordinator for Catholic children preparing to receive first communion. She taught CCD in several states and outside the USA. As a Military wife, Kathi, Paul and the kids spent 26 years with the Air Force serving in England, Texas, Kansas, North Dakota, Germany, Utah, Ohio, back in Texas and finally Spokane Washington. Kathi’s favorite tour of duty with the Air Force was her 3 years in Germany where she was able to travel and shop in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

The nucleus of Kathi’s life was her 8 children; Peter (deceased), Stacey Young, Natalie Donahue, Breanna, Stephanie, Danielle, Kayla, Courtney and her 8 grandchildren; Jasmyn (deceased), McKenna, Saleena, Elise, Aubrey, Ada, Sienna and Lily. Kathi had many hobbies and activities throughout her life but her sole focus was the love and nurturing of her children and she did just that until her death. She once said “without my children…life has little importance, purpose or meaning.”

Kathi loved sports and excelled as a skier, bowler, golfer, and tennis player. She was a member of the Bonneville Ladies 9-hole golf league and served in many positions over the years as president, treasurer and scheduler. Kathi’s kids provided the following comments about their, mom: From Stacey, “She was my guide thru life and my best friend.” From Naty, “Mom taught me that the simplest moments in life matter most.” From Bre, “Mom was a phenomenal cook who made you feel the love and warmth in every dish.” From Stephy, “Mom showed her love thru acts of service and made every birthday and holiday a magical experience.” From Dani, “It was a beautiful thing to watch mom grow and learn with me and created a bond I will cherish for life.” From Courtney, “Mom taught me the values, morals and integrity to live by and I am forever grateful.”

Kathi was preceded in death by her father John Barrett in 1978, her mother Helen Packman in 2004 and her sister Patricia Barrett in 1996. Her living siblings are Sherie Grimson, Mike Barrett and Colleen Barrett.

A future celebration of her life will be planned and scheduled by the family.