Kathleen Jeppeson Ricci
September 14, 1946 - November 14, 2016
"A life well lived"
I was born on September 14, 1946. My parents are Jack Junior Jeppeson and Juanita Lark Jeppeson. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Growing up the five of us shared great times together especially driving around in a red Triumph 3, always with the top down.
One of my greatest joys, however, was being a mother and a grandmother. I have two wonderful children, Nicole and John, whom I am extremely proud of. It was because of them I eventually went back to the University of Utah where I graduated with a degree in Accounting. Later on I had the opportunity to go to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where I had my first Ahaa moment! Although late in my career I was able to apply many of the principles I learned there.
I married Ken Donarski in 1999. He is an amazing man who was also my best friend. He has been at my side every day fighting this disease. Always encouraging me but understanding the limitations I was facing.
I had the most rewarding career anyone could possibly have. At Salt Lake City I worked with a group of people who were as committed as I to providing housing for people with special needs. We built housing for homeless women, victims of domestic violence and housing for seniors. After working for the City I went to work for the Housing Authority of Salt Lake, during that time we built the first housing for chronically homeless as well as housing for seniors, families and homeless veterans.
Through out my life I have been very fortunate to be able to travel. Ken and I have experienced the sights of Europe, the Mediterranean and Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and most of the US. I have met incredible people and I appreciate each one.
I loved to cook for friends and entertain. Mostly I liked to share a good glass of wine and just enjoy my time with interesting people, family and close friends.
The last few years I have spent as much time as possible in our garden. It was a respite for me. A place of beauty and peacefulness, which I needed to help fight the cancer. Ken has taken such loving care of the garden and I have appreciated it.
I am survived by my father Jack Jeppeson; my husband Ken Donarski, my daughter Nicole (Kent) Corson; granddaughter Audrey; son John (Aimee Dubois); grandson Andrew; granddaughter Annalise; stepchildren Nathan and Erin Erickson; grandson EdWyn; granddaughter Evangeline, BethAnn Donarski. Along with brothers Blaine (Nancy) Jeppeson, Allen (Joni) Jeppeson; sisters Shannon (Jerry) Hines, Annette (Greig) Bridges; many nieces, nephews whom I love dearly and wonderful friends. I was preceded in death by my mother, whom I have missed so much.
A special thank you to Toni and Kevin Simmons, Kim and Steve Oliver, and Lottie Taylor.
I would like to invite you to one last celebration from me on Saturday, December 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, to thank you for being an important part of my life and because you were, I was a better person for it. Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
Kathy we love you, thanks for letting us be a part of your amazing life. Ken and family, please know you are in our hearts.
Kyle and Linda Walker
Columbia, SC
Ken and family I don't know any of you personality but through Wanda (Ken's sister) I feel the sorrow for you all. She spoke dearly of such a wonderful life. It's never easy...Cherish your memories and through those Kathy's life will live on. She is pain free now..fly high sweet one fly high!
Linda weber
East Grand Forks, MN
I want to send my condolences to the family of Kathy. I want to thank you for sharing your mom with us. Kathy is one of the strongest, most intelligent and great champion of people I have had the privilege to know. I know she loves her family and I know she will be watching over you.
Jeanette Hurst
Holladay, UT
Ken, please accept my sincere condolences. Kathy was one of the first people I met when I went to work for the State in 1991. She was an inspiration to me, i admired her compassion and energy she put into her job, both at the City and at the Housing Authority. She always was looking for ways to make housing projects work. I have many fond memories of fun times with her, especially at NAHRO conventions..
Sherie Brinkerhoff
Taylorsville, UT
Kathy and I had wonderful conversations, many laughs, a few cries, and lots of celebrations together as I did her hair for almost 30 years. She was so excited to see the Northern Lights!! I've always admired how she put both her children through college by herself as a single mother. She guided me to S L Housing to receive help for my two adult children with disabilities so they could experience living independently, I admired her love for learning and how she enrolled at the university immediately upon retiring. Kathy and John, I feel privileged to have known your mom and both of you, whom she loved with all her heart and soul. Ken, I remember when Kathy met you and expressed her excitement and love for you. We celebrated your love together! I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful mother and wife. I am saddened by her passing. I'm sending you all love and wishes for peace during this sad time and always. Love, Debbie Jorde
Debbie Jorde
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
I met Kathy at the UofU in 1965. We quickly became very good friends and kindred spirits. She was amazing fun and great moral support-everything a friend should be. I will miss having her in my world. My best wishes for you, Ken and to you Nicole and John. Sincerely Dixie Wright
Dixie Bond Wright
Boca Raton, Fl
Nicole and John and family, I was heartbroken to learn of your mamas passing. I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Kathy and the kindness and love that she showed to me as a young child and while growing up. Whether it was making us toast and hot chocolate after a cold day playing in the snow or being our troop leader in the Girl Scouts.She did it all so selflessly and with love.I have always admired her strength and tenacity. She was a strong woman. I know how much she loved her family. She was so proud of you. I am so sorry that you have lost your sweet mama. My deepest condolences to you.You are in my thoughts and in my heart.
Gina Kennard
South Ogden, UT
Ken and Kathy's family, I send love and greetings from on small branch of our large housing family that loved Kathy like a sister. She was a big force in our lives and I'm so very sorry for y/our loss of her spark and energy and beautiful smile. I have so very many fond, fond memories of our times together. Betsey Martens Boulder, CO
Betsey Martens
Boulder, CO
Ken, Nicole, John Families and the Jeppeson Family: When I think of Kathy I can hear her incredible laugh, and it makes me smile. I will carry her laughter with me forever! She was a beautiful person with a heart of gold, and I am a better person for having known her and you! Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. I love you all and am so sorry for your loss.
Sherrie Collins
Taylorsville, Ut