Judith Kathryn Sly, 42

Published 7:26 pm Thursday, October 17, 2013

March 16, 1971 — Oct. 12, 2013

Judith Kathryn Sly, 42, known by everyone as Kathy, was granted her angel wings on Oct. 12, 2013.

Sly

Her final days were spent surrounded by loved ones that Kathy had touched in some small way throughout her short, yet memorable life.

Kathy passed away at her home in Gig Harbor, Washington of natural causes. She was born March 16, 1971 to Judy Holmes and Craig Sly. She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Sandra Lucas, William Bixby and paternal grandfather Luther Sly.

She is survived by her mother Judy Sly, father Craig (Kathy) Sly, brother Cory (Gerri) Sly, nephew Cameron Sly, niece Nichole Sly, paternal grandmother Janon (Ben) Lucero as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Kathy graduated Niles High School in 1989. She received her bachelors in psychology from Grand Valley State University and received her Occupational Therapy degree from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio.

Kathy spent much of her life working with early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.  She facilitated many long term care organizations across the country in developing care units that specialized in the special needs and care of this special group of people.

She was an active member of Harbor Covenant Church and belonged to Silver Innings Dementia Management Services, the Compassion Coalition, Changing Aging, Walk to the End Alzheimer’s and many other non-for profit organizations.  She worked with charities whenever possible to assist those who were in need.

Her interests included her many close friends and family, kayaking, gardening, reading, Alzheimer’s research, supporting activities through her church and caring for her cats that she loved dearly.

The family would also like to pay tribute to Kathy’s closest friends whom she considered her family.  Richard Phelps, Margie Layman and Carolyn Holdwich.

A time of remembrance will be held at the Harbor Covenant Church on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. in Gig Harbor, Washington.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Kathy’s memory to Harbor Covenant Church, 5601 Gustafson Dr. Gig Harbor, WA 98335. (253) 851-8450.