Katherine Sue Montagne
August 15, 1948 – February 10, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Katherine Sue Montagne, on Monday, February 10, at the age of 76. She passed away peacefully at Kaiser Permanente Oakland, surrounded by her loving family. Over the years, she touched countless lives with her kindness, compassion, and joyful spirit.

Kathy was born on Aug. 15, 1948, in Hominy, Oklahoma, to Jack and Laura Crain. She grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma the second of five sisters named Jacqueline (Jacki), Judy, Karen, and Carla. She and her twin sister, Jacki, were the grand marshals of the Hominy Fourth of July Parade and often wore matching outfits that their mother sewed from hand.

Kathy moved to California in 1967 with her twin sister, Jacki. Lured by the sunshine and the images of gentle people with flowers in their hair, she landed first in Sacramento before moving to Pasadena where she graduated from Pasadena College. Afterward, she began work at St. Luke’s Hospital as a ward clerk. She met and fell in love with David Montagne and the couple married in 1973 at the home of their good friends, Mary and Tony Cugino. They moved to Hawthorne, Calif. where she taught home economics at both Hawthorne High School and Pasadena City College. She was particularly proud that her former student, Mike Scott, had achieved great success as a major league all-star pitcher and master of the split-fingered fastball.

Kathy and Dave moved to Eureka in 1973 where she taught at Ferndale High School before joining the nursing team at Mad River hospital. With the birth of her first child, she felt a renewed calling to work with children and joined the Manila Westhaven Parents Council in 1980. From there she began a 40-year tenure at North Coast Children Services eventually serving as the executive director for over three decades.

Kathy never met a person she couldn’t talk to nor a cause toward which she couldn’t be compassionate. She loved local art, advocating for children, and throwing parties. It’s no surprise that the modest fundraiser for local children’s programs she helped organize with her colleagues at North Coast Children’s services blossomed into the 30-year community celebration, Pastels on the Plaza.

Kathy dedicated much of her life to her family and the children of the North Coast. She regularly hosted Japanese exchange students who were attending Humboldt State and remained close to them after they returned to their home country. Her love and commitment were evident in everything she did. Her home was a place of warmth, comfort and laughter, where she always made sure her family felt safe and loved.

Kathy had a passion for live music, diverse cuisine, and was involved in various school boards along with the Arcata Economic Development Council. Her generosity and kind heart left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Laura, as well as her sister, Karen. She is survived by her sons and their spouses, Andy (Johanna) and Brian (Brenna); her sisters Jacki, Judy, and Carla; her grandchildren, Apollo and Anais; her cousin, Gene; numerous nieces and nephews; and her loving caretaker, Dave.

Her legacy of love, compassion, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, at 24 Fellowship Way in Bayside at 1 p.m. on April 19, 2025. All who wish to are welcome to attend.

We will forever cherish the moments we shared with her and are comforted by the knowledge that she will always be with us in spirit. Rest in peace, Mom, and thank you for everything you gave us. You will never be forgotten.