Obituary of Kathy Lackey

On Monday, September 26, 2011 the world lost an amazing woman and heaven gained a new member. Kathy Lackey was born February 10, 1948 in San Francisco, California to James and Lois Browne. Her father was stationed at Fort Mason. Upon his discharge from the military the family returned home to Santa Cruz. Kathy grew up in Santa Cruz, where she attended Holy Cross through all of her school years. In her youth she enjoyed horseback riding and playing the piano. She made lifelong friends in childhood who remained true to the very end. During her young adult years she enjoyed traveling. She spent time in Mexico and Yellowstone. She met her future husband John Lackey in 1970. John and Kathy enjoyed carefree days living at their beach house at Manresa Beach. In 1973, they had their first son, Nate Lackey, soon followed in 1975 by another son, Jake Lackey. They took great pride in being involved in their boys lives. Kathy coached for their soccer team for many years. As the boys grew she stayed actively involved in their lives, remaining a friend and confidante to them. John and Kathy started a custom cabinet business in 1971. Together they created this business working side by side daily. Lackey Woodworking has been a great source of pride for both of them. While raising two small boys and building a business she also completed her masters degree in sociology at UCSC. Kathy and her husband also enjoyed their 1929 Ford woody wagon, often entering it in parades and car shows. They enjoyed being a part of their car clubs and going to Hot August Nights in Reno. Kathy also took great pride in her title as "The Dachsund Whisperer". She welcomed many rescued dachshunds into their home, having as many as thirteen in their care. Kathy served as an Eucharsistic Minister and Sacristine at St. Joseph Catholic Church for several years. She also volunteered for Friends of Hospice. Kathy's greatest joy was her grandchildren- Caitlin, Taylor, Garrett, and Olivia. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of her fifth grandchild Scarlett due the end of November. Kathy and her grandchildren enjoyed having Ovaltine tea parties, playing dog-o-poly, and hanging out together. Her grandchildren called her "The cool Grandma". She truly was one of their best friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her father James Madison Browne. She is survived by her loving mother Alice Lois Browne, her husband of 40 years John Lackey, sons Nathan (Angie ) and Jacob (Catherine), her grandchildren- Caitlin, Taylor, Garrett , and Olivia Lackey. Also survived by her cousin, George Graham and many loving extended family members and friends. Kathy has been many things to many people but a friend to all. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 435 Monterey Avenue, Capitola, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception following in the church hall. A celebration of her life will be Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Noon at Shaffer Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions preferred to the Santa Cruz SPCA or Hospice of Santa Cruz. The family wishes to thank all of the friends and loved ones who have helped Kathy through this journey.