Kathleen Parkinson Bullen-Hoagland
May 15, 1952 - November 26, 2025
Kathleen Parkinson Bullen-Hoagland, 73, of Salt Lake City, peacefully passed away on November 26th, surrounded by friends and family.
Born on May 15th, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kathleen was the daughter of Virginia Parkinson and Thurlow “Tad” Bullen. She was raised alongside her two brothers, Herschel and Thurlow “Tad” Bullen, all of whom shared a close and loving bond. Kathleen attended East High School, graduating with the class of 1970. She went on to study at the University of Utah, where she became a proud sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma and earned her bachelor’s degree, later completing her master’s degree with a certificate in social work.
In 1980, Kathleen and her friends formed the “Gourmet Gals,” a treasured group of eight women who gathered the first Thursday of each month to cook, laugh, and support one another—a tradition that continues to this day.
Kathleen began her professional career as an elementary school teacher. Her name eventually caught the attention of Salt Lake Tribune humorist Dan Valentine, author of “Nothing Serious” column, who wrote that she was known by the students as “small, but mighty,” a phrase that became a beloved byword among her friends and family. After teaching, she transitioned into social work at the University of Utah, serving in various departments with compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others.
In 1996, Kathleen married the love of her life, Tony Hoagland, and welcomed her stepdaughters Danielle and Heather into her heart and home. Together, Kathleen and Tony traveled the world and enjoyed countless adventures, including bike rides near and far. Kathleen’s interests reflected her appreciation for beauty in all its forms—she adored art, travel, culture, and reading; loved playing the piano; and had a deep affection for her beloved dogs. She was truly a connoisseur of the finer things in life and delighted in sharing those passions with the people she loved.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Tony; her stepdaughters Danielle and Heather (Mitch); and her three grandchildren, Oliver (17), Theo (4) and Ruby (2). She is also survived by her brothers Herschel and his wife Lora, and their sons David, Jon, and Sam; and Thurlow “Tad” and his wife Holly, and their daughter Anne, her husband Joe, and their sons Ashton and Hunter.
She leaves behind countless friends, coworkers, neighbors, and extended family who adored her and will forever miss her gentle spirit, kindness, and grace.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, UT 84106 on December 11th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kathleen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Ever does natural beauty steal in like air, and envelop great actions.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
In Loving Memory
Kathleen was a wonderful, caring friend, and "KAPPA Sister". She will be greatly missed.
I was privileged to work with Kathleen during my residency. Her humor, intelligence and compassion have left a lasting impact on me and many others. She was the source of many good laughs and many good book recommendations. She will be greatly missed.
I worked with Kathleen a number of times through my residency training, and always enjoyed seeing her through the early part of my career at the U. She was such a warm-hearted and lovely person and always a pleasure to be around. She deeply cared about her work on the psychiatry consultation service and was a vital force there for many vulnerable patients in difficulty. My condolences to Tony and her family.
In Loving Memory
