Kathleen June Baldy-Dean was born June 10, 1958, and entered into rest January 28, 2024.

Kathy was a beloved mother, a dear sister and aunt, loving wife, and cherished friend. She was a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe and resided on the reservation for most of her life. She graduated from Hoopa High school and continued her education over the years, primarily at Edmunds Community College in Washington, where she was noted to be a member of the Native American Association. Kathy held a strong family affiliation with her siblings and their children. By her late husband Omar Dean, Kathy also enjoyed life as a stepmother, grandmother, aunt and in-law. Before his passing, Kathy and Omar shared a great love, and were inseparable for 30 years. They especially loved to travel to various places together.

Kathy is remembered for her happy-go-lucky spirit, and fun loving personality. She was often the light at family gatherings with her celebratory enthusiasm and notable humor. She enjoyed beading, known for creating all kinds of jewelry. She would string together necklaces as impromptu gifts for her loved ones. When the occasion called for it, Kathy liked to sing and dance, even if her only audience was her daughter, or her beloved pets. Kathy also enjoyed western classic shows, playing card games, word searches, and billiards. Her daughter also fondly remembers her mother for being a volunteer for car rides, even just to the store, and that Kathy was a shop til she dropped kind of person.

Over the recent years of her life, Kathy was a dependable caregiver for her family. She was always willing to help anyone in need and opened her home to family. She created cherished bonds with Ariel Richards and Melody Phines, Salisha Dean, and Al Kenny Dean when she welcomed them into her home. Kathy was a one-of-a-kind person, with a generous heart – even when she had nothing to give, she gave everything she had for family and friends. She is going to be missed deeply by all who loved her, including her beloved pets Cinnabear, Toby, and grandpups Chocolate, Coco, and Peanut.

Kathy is survived by her daughter Kathleena McConnell and husband Kevin McConnell. Also survived by her siblings and their families: Alex Pratt; Julie McKinnon; Valerie Harvey; Sonja Baldy; Lyle Baldy, Sr.; Darcy Miller; and Lulu Baldy. She is survived by stepdaughter Deborah McConnell and family, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews through her Dean family.

Kathy is preceded in death by her husband Omar Dean; her parents Newton Baldy Sr, and Nancy Gardner-Baldy; paternal grandparents, Maynard and Nellie (Moon) Baldy, maternal grandparents Martin and Lulu (Todi) Gardner; siblings Nancy Baldy, Kenny Baldy, Newton Baldy Jr., Clarence Baldy, Elizabeth “Dolly” Marshall; Allen “Cash” Davis, Edgar Norton, Mary Doolittle and Keith Baldy; Kathy is also preceded in death by stepdaughter Rebecca Dean-Ferris, and stepson Omar Dean III.

Pallbearers include: Kevin McConnell, Rowds Robbins, Ronnie Robbins, Filmore Harvey, Lare Toss McKinnon, Floyd “Cowboy” Billings, Lance Marshall Sr., Kevin Pacheco, Bautisto “Cheetos” Pacheco, Andrew Pratt, Lyle Baldy Jr., Leroy Baldy, Derek Schuchman-Baldy, Isaac Bussell, Bruce Bussell, Ryon Markussen, Lonnie Dean, Al Kenny Dean, Bradley Hostler, Sonny Jim Dean, Tsewenaldin Van Pelt, Stuart McConnell, Robert McConnell Jr., Marcus Dean-Rowe, as well as Kathy’s great-nephews, and loved ones too numerous to list.

Honorary Pallbearers: Kenneth Doolittle, Sonny Pratt, Alex Pratt, Clyde Moon, Franklin Richards, John Robbins Jr., Tyke Robbins, Robert McConnell Sr., Arden McCovey, Pliny “Jack” Jackson, Tim Bussell Sr., Kim Conrad, Boyd Ferris, Jesse McCovey, Damon Cross, Rick Sanderson, Sylvester “Flab” Brown, Douglas Brown, Freddie Brown.

Kathy’s passing was unexpected; please understand if we forgot to mention anyone. Your presence is encouraged and will be greatly appreciated as we lay our loved one to rest.

A wake will be held at Kathy’s home on Telescope Road on Friday, February 2, beginning at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 3 at the Neighborhood Facilities in Hoopa, beginning at 11 a.m., with Harold Jones officiating. Burial at Hoopa Cemetery. A potluck reception will follow at the American Legion. Please cook up your favorite dish and join us. Arrangements are under Paul’s Chapel in Arcata.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Kathleen June Baldy-Dean’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.