Katherine "Kathie" Esson

Katherine “Kathie” Esson, aged 86, passed away on March 14, 2024.

Born in the back of her parents’ TV and electronics repair store on March 27, 1937, in Snoqualmie, Washington, Kathie was the eldest of six children. She graduated from Mt Si High School in 1955, and attended the University of Washington, where she met her husband, Robert (Bob) Esson. She and Bob moved with their children to Huntsville, AL, then to Bloomington, MN. While in Minnesota, Kathie worked and retired from Target Corp. They then returned to their home state of Washington, settling in Shelton. After Bob passed in 2015, Kathie ventured forth to begin her adventures as Kathie 2.0. She relocated to Gainesville, GA, where she purchased a home and settled in as doting grandma and “GGMama”. Kathie was an active member of her local senior center, where she formed cherished friendships and contributed her time and energy to sharing her passion for flowers, puzzles, and bingo.

Kathie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Esson, and her younger brother, Eddie Shinner. She is survived by her siblings: Jack Shinner, Bobbie Lou Prentice, Eileen George, and Dott Thayer. She leaves behind a loving legacy through her children: Ken Esson, Linda DeMaris, Dave Esson, and Sandy Groger. Collectively, she had six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Kathie’s life will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church (1440 Pearce Circle NE, Gainesville, GA) on March 25, 2024, at 3 pm with a short reception following.

In honor of Kathie’s love of flowers and the color blue, please wear something floral or light blue.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gainesville Senior Life Center or Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gainesville in Kathie's honor.

Kathie will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace, reunited with her loved ones in eternal serenity.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

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