Katherine Ann Johanson

Katherine (Kathy) Ann Johanson, 50, a resident North Bend, Washington, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2009.Kathy was born February 5, 1959 in Spokane, Washington to David Carl and Barbara Ann (Morris) Johanson. Kathy was raised in Bellevue, Washington where she enjoyed participating in gymnastics and playing softball. One of Kathy’s fondest memories growing up was of her playing and running though the fields at her grandfather’s farm in Idaho and babysitting two of her younger cousins pretending they were her own. Her first job was working at Albertsons during high school which she was very proud. Kathy graduated from Redmond Senior High in 1977 and went on to attend Bellevue Community College. Kathy later went on to become a LVN. She specialized in home health care where she made a point of not only caring for her patients but becoming a part of their lives and helping them above and beyond the expectations of an LVN with whatever their needs might be. Many of her patients where terminally ill and Kathy would offer care, comfort and friendship to them and their families in their time of need, before and after their passing.Kathy married Evan Baruch in January 1980 and together had a family with four wonderful children. They proudly purchased and moved into their new house in North Bend in time to celebrate Christmas of 1985 (which Kathy guaranteed would happen against the odds) and became a part of the community. Kathy’s main purpose in life was providing for and protecting her children and making sure they had a happy and full life. She was married to Evan for 10 years. Later she met William Sammons with whom she became a close companion with for the remainder of her life. Will showed and introduced her to new experiences and adventures.Kathy enjoyed reading Danielle Steele and James Patterson books, watching shows such as House, CSI, Desperate House Wives and Judging Amy. She also took pleasure in scrapbooking, playing cards, riding her motorcycle and listening to music, some of which her favorites were, Simon and Garfunkel, Billy Joel, Carly Simon, Cher and the Beatles. Kathy cherished her time with friends, whether it be over a cup of coffee or a long phone conversation catching up.She also volunteered at the food bank and Senior Center and really enjoyed participating in their exercise program. Her favorite past time was shopping, rarely for herself, always for her loved ones. She took great joy in knowing the joy her loved ones received from her generosity.Kathy is survived by her children Kerra and Dan, Jason and Tiffany and Jennifer and Jason. Grandchildren, Destiny, Daniel, Joseph, Skyler, Katelyn, Isabelle and Natalie. Parent, Barbara Johanson. Siblings Carl and Melinda, Susan and Bill. Nieces and nephews, Tanya, Nicole, Brian, Mandi, Brandi and Taylor and companion Will Sammons. Kathy is predeceased by her father, Dave Johanson, May, 1997 and son, Adam Baruch, August, 2007.Kathy had a beautiful service on July 22, at Cascade Covenant Church in North Bend. The Family would like to thank Pastor John Jenks for his generosity and heartfelt service and all the people that attended and shared their lovely remembrances of Kathy. Please visit our memorial site at: http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/katherinejohanson/homepage.aspx