Kathie Lynn Walters

Kathie Lynn Sloan Walters came into this world on a bright Sunday morning, on April 20, 1947, and left this world on Saturday, September 19, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Kathie leaves a legacy of love and compassion to all who knew her. Her kind heart, twinkling blue eyes, infectious laughter, and winning smile will remain with us always. We only have fond memories of a loving person that touched our hearts in a special way. Loving wife to Paul M Walters for 38 years, loving and caring mother to Scott H Walters, and loving friend and daughter-in-law to Patricia M Walters, she is preceded in death by mother Dorothy M Sloan and father Donald C Sloan. Kathie was born with a heart defect, and was no stranger to doctors. She was only given until age 16 to live, and in 1960 she was one of the first patients to receive open heart surgery. After the primitive procedure, she was given an estimated life of 30 years. When she reached 60, she told the people around her (half joking; half grateful) that they didn’t know it, but they were looking at a miracle. She more than doubled the estimate with the help and care of Dr Moore (and his balloons), Dr Foster, and Dr De Marco of UCSF; as well as Dr Stauber and Dr Villiblanca of UCDavis. Unfortunately, Kathie also inherited a severe joint disease (one of several), and was always in pain and/or short of breath. She would want us to thank all of her internists and cardialogists for their life prolonging efforts, and Dr Wiesner for his care and compassion during her many years of joint and all-over pain. She always said she would like to have just one week with a good heart and no joint disease so she could know what it was like “ To just be Normal.” Despite her many trials and tribulations, Kathie was a jovial person who enriched the lives of those around her, and focused on the positives in her life. Kathie loved to travel, when possible, either by plane or roadtrip. She was proud that she was able to get a stamp in her passport when her family visited Norway. Her favorite vacation spot was Hawaii, and she wanted to spend at least one week in all 50 states. After she retired, she loved just being at home with her family, friends, books,and pool. Her beautiful laugh filled those around her with joy. You will always hold a loving place in our hearts. Thank you for all you did. We miss you. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to www.gofundme.com/kathiewalters to be redistributed equally to the Jensen Botanical Garden and the SSPCA.

Kathie Lynn Walters

April 20, 1947 - September 19, 2015