The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Kathy Jean (Catterson) Levine was born November 19, 1958 in Fortuna, California. She passed away June 19, 2020 in Sharp Grossmont Hospital, La Mesa, CA at the age of 61. Her medical team had discovered a brain aneurism and performed an aneurism repair surgery, which seemed very successful but ended in a massive stroke that took her life.

Kathy with her husband Dennis Levine resided in El Cajon, CA. They moved from central Oregon in 2016 to be closer to their children.

Kathy had a loving sign-off which she used ending every conversation on the phone, every text message, every time she left or said goodbye. Many can hear her saying this sincerely meant sign-off, “Luv Ya!”

Kathy was a cheerful, giving, helpful, kind, and dedicated person.

She had an infectious sense of humor and could keep you laughing for hours.

She loved to sing.

As a child you could hear her beautiful voice louder than any other in church.

Kathy made singing part of everything.

Some may wonder, “What song can I use for this event?” This comes from Kathy’s influence in your life.

She sang “Daddy’s Hand’s” at her stepfather’s funeral and “Well Done” at her mother’s funeral.

Many share fond memories of getting together with her and Dennis that usually included singing or Karaoke.

She shared a text to a family member the morning of her aneurism surgery.

It said, “They are coming to take me away to the funny farm.” Of course, the family member knew immediately it was a funny song they shared together as children.

Recently Kathy shared her musical gifts at St. Louise De Marillac Catholic Church Saturday evening mass.

Her love for all children was never clearer than when she would teach sign language to them in small groups at church or Sunday school. A favorite was “Silent Night” and she would have children sign this at Christmas Mass and there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the church.

If you needed something, anything, Kathy could figure it out and help solve the problem or situation. She wouldn’t stop with just an idea; she would always be there to physically help, too. She would provide this favor to all.

Along with her helpfulness she was also giving. She gladly made sure people had the things they needed. One of the most recent acts of giving was her care for her mother during her long illness with cancer. She made sure she had the right bed, the right clothes, the right doctors, and she didn’t stop. These are the things Kathy would do for you, too.

Kathy was a dedicated restaurant cook, school bus driver, city bus driver and driver’s education teacher. This was her last career in Redmond, Oregon. Kathy was one of the best drivers. She could drive buses, trucks or whatever without fear. She knew the laws and she understood the mechanics of dealing with the forces behind big rigs. To most people this is very impressive.

On November 13, 1976 Kathy married the love of her life, Dennis Levine. They were young and had mountains to climb. They stuck together through thick and thin and celebrated nearly 44 years of marriage. From this loving marriage came two sons, Clint (wife Lauren) and Nicholas (wife Janeth). Their grandchildren are Antonio, Cristina, Nestor, Christian, Paulino, Armando and Jonathon and one great granddaughter, Ceci. Kathy loved her family and showed them by her continued open door and willingness to have everyone be part of her life.

Kathy is survived by her brothers, Tym Catterson (Ursula) and Jason Dagenhardt (Judy) and nephew Adam, sisters Teresa Drews and Lynn Dagenhardt, niece Keylee and nephew Loren. Loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and host of long-time friends also survive her.

Her father, Vern Catterson and Mother Barbara Marshall, whom she cared for in the last days of her life, preceded Kathy in death.

A comforting thought for all who loved Kathy is that when she was told she had a serious, potentially deadly aneurism, she comforted all saying she was calm and at peace with everything.

She was not worried.

This is the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

She gave encouragement even when she should have been receiving encouragement.

Her final request in life was to be an organ donor.

The gift of life to others is about as charitable of a gift any human can give.

To date two people have been saved by her donations for transplant surgery.

Because of her unselfish life she is still giving even after she has left us.

Kathy will be deeply missed and, Kathy, from all who knew you: “Luv Ya!”

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be Monday, July 6, 1 p.m. at St. Louise De Marillac Catholic Church, 2005 Crest Dr. El Cajon, CA. Father Scott Burnia will preside. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: Interim – The Gift of Hospice, 5625 Ruffin Road, Ste 110, San Diego, CA.