Obituary of Kathleen Rose Mantione

Kathleen Rose Mantione, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, departed from our world on October 31, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and enduring memories. She passed away at home surrounded by loved ones, ending her long, brave battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Her strength and perseverance will be remembered by all who knew her.

Kathy was born on January 5, 1954, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Verlin and Naomi Kenworthy. She graduated from high school in 1972 from Brownsburg High School in Indiana. In 1989, Kathy earned a BS degree in accounting from Columbia College, breaking through the glass ceiling in the male-dominated accounting field. Her career trajectory was marked by remarkable ascent, starting from a secretary role at TCI and HBO, to ultimately achieving the position of accountant and tax manager at Time Warner Cable (1981-2001). Demonstrating her versatility, Kathy transitioned to consulting roles with Price Waterhouse Coopers and also Ernst and Young, specializing in state tax accounting for Time Warner (2002-2006).

 

In a courageous shift, Kathy redirected her career in 2006, leaving the lucrative accounting field to pursue a path aligned with her compassionate nature. In 2008, she earned an Associate’s Degree as a physical therapist assistant from Pima Medical Institute. Her dedication to caring for others led her to work in various healthcare settings, including a clinic and nursing home near Denver (2009-2011) and as a certified nursing assistant at a hospital in Knoxville (2013-2015). Kathy's kindness and empathy made a positive impact on the lives of those she served.

 

Kathy joyfully embraced a new chapter when she married the love of her life, Joe Mantione, on July 1, 2005, atop a mountain peak in the scenic mountains west of Boulder. Throughout their marriage, Kathy and Joe cultivated a life filled with love and shared experiences. Together, they embarked on an adventure that took them from the serene mountains outside of Nederland, Colorado, where they shared the beauty of nature and created cherished memories, to the small community of Maryville, Tennessee (2011-2015), during which Kathy devoted herself to caring for her mother-in-law who battled Alzheimer's disease. This period exemplified Kathy's selflessness and compassion as she provided unwavering support and care to her family. In 2015, the couple returned to their small tight-knit community near Nederland to reconnect with nature, family, and friends. As Kathy's cancer battle persisted, the decision was made to relocate to Washington state, bringing them closer to her youngest daughter, Nichole, and her family. They have resided there for the past four plus years. Kathy and Joe's love story was marked by the diverse landscapes they called home, reflecting the richness of their connections. From the breathtaking mountains of Colorado to the shores of Puget Sound, their journey was a tapestry of love, resilience, and mutual devotion.

Kathy possessed a world-class, contagious smile that could brighten even the darkest days. She embodied strength, independence, and confidence, facing life's challenges with unwavering determination. A lover of people, animals, and nature, Kathy found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Yet, she also possessed a quiet introspection and spirituality that enriched her character. Kathy was humble and reserved, especially with those she didn't know well. She navigated the world with a shy and quiet demeanor, endearing her to those who had the privilege of gaining her trust.

Balancing full-time work, pursuing a college degree, and advancing her career, Kathy navigated the intricate dance between job and education, while juggling being a single mother of two daughters. Kathy's life and her legacy as an inspiring, strong independent woman echo through her daughters' compassionate careers. Jenny, an elementary educator, devoted herself to teaching underprivileged kids and special education students. Nichole plays a vital role in Washington state government, forging connections between local farmers supplying healthy foods to food banks and schools. Kathy's legacy is woven into the successful paths of her daughters, a testament to her resilience, love, and empowerment. 

Kathy had an adventurous and curious spirit. Her pursuit of personal development and avid reading reflected her commitment to lifelong learning. As a history and genealogy enthusiast, she delved into the stories of the past with a keen interest. Kathy's creative spirit flourished in the kitchen, the garden, and through various crafts and sewing projects. She embraced the tranquility of yoga, the simplicity of walking, and the thrill of hiking and camping in nature. Balancing her active lifestyle, she also found delight in unwinding with movies and shows, whether on TV or her iPad.

During her time in Colorado, Kathy immersed herself in various church communities and engaged actively in friends' groups, as well as the Colorado Mountain Club. Alongside her husband, she dedicated her time as Wildlands Restoration Volunteers near Boulder, passionately participating in environmental conservation efforts. Kathy's profound love for the outdoors manifested in her deep connection with nature. In Washington, she continued her spirit of giving back by regularly contributing to the Thurston County Food Bank and the Family Support Center of South Sound in Olympia.

 

Kathy lived a life rich in experiences, savoring moments with her cherished family and friends, particularly her husband, daughters, and grandkids. Her spirit was marked by exceptional strength, courage, and an unyielding determination as she faced the challenges of pancreatic cancer. Kathy's journey was characterized by her unwavering bravery, persistently fighting and striving for wellness until the very end. Her enduring resilience, persistence, and determination stand as a testament to the depth of her character and the love that fueled her journey.

 

Kathy is preceded in death by her son, Christopher Steven Gard; father, Verlin Kenworthy; mother, Naomi Kenworthy; and sister, Carol Wonnell. Kathy is survived by her husband, Joe Mantione; daughters, Jennifer McCabe (Malachi McCabe) and Nichole Garden (Clayton McCrary); grandchildren, Caleb McCabe, Kyla McCabe, Sequoia McCrary, Juniper McCrary, and Hazel McCrary; and brothers, Robert Kenworthy, Randal Kenworthy, and Ronald Kenworthy.

 

In honoring Kathy's heartfelt wishes, her ashes will be embraced by the tranquility of the Pacific Ocean. Kathy opted against a conventional funeral, reflecting her humble nature to avoid the spotlight. Instead, she envisioned a simple intimate Celebration of Life, reserved for a small family group. The gathering is planned to take place on the Washington Coast during the Spring or early Summer of 2024, where the gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean will cradle her cremains, creating a peaceful connection to the force of nature she appreciated.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that those who wish to make a memorial donation consider contributing to the following non-profit organizations that held special significance to Kathy:

• Thurston County Food Bank/Olympia’s Food Pantry, 220 Thurston Ave. NE, Olympia, WA 98501. Contact: 360-352-8597 Website: tcfb.org
• Family Support Center of South Sound, 3545 7th Ave. SW, Olympia, WA 98502. Contact: 360-754-9297 Website: fscss.org

Your thoughtful contributions to these service organizations will honor Kathy's memory by supporting causes that were close to her heart.

 

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