Kathleen Marie Fraser was born on August 7, 1956, in the historic town of Scotia, California, to Ernest Earl Fraser and Charlotte Grace Richmond. She lived her early years in Hydesville, California, until the age of 17, when she moved to Jefferson, Oregon, and got married.

At 21, she welcomed her first daughter, Michelle Dawn Hartzell. Less than a year later, Kathleen and baby Michelle returned to Hydesville, where she remained living for the rest of her life. At 30, Kathleen began working as a cashier at Murrish Market in her small-town of Hydesville.

During this time, she remarried and gave birth to her son, Jon Ernest Burns, followed two years later by her youngest daughter, Kayla Danielle Burns. Kathleen later joined the staff at Hydesville School as a teacher’s aide while her younger children attended school there. Like her children, Kathleen attended school herself and was the first person in her family to earn a college degree. Setting a good example for her children was a top priority. As a single mother, she proudly completed her degree in Computer Science.

Around the age of 46, she made a career change and spent the next decade as a cashier at Ace Hardware in Fortuna, California.

Kathleen found her greatest joy in her family, especially her five beloved grandchildren: Isaac Jon Guzman, Jolissa Grace Guzman, Brody Jon Kenneth Warnow, Karson Charles Ernest Warnow, and Kyrie Grace Warnow, who affectionately called her “Nana.”

At 58, Kathleen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through strength and resilience, she beat it and spent the next ten years cherishing every moment with her loved ones. When the cancer returned, she fought with unwavering courage until her passing at the age of 68.

She is preceded in death by her beloved son Jon Ernest Burns, her father Ernest Earl Fraser, her best friend Ruth Sanders, and numerous extended family members who passed before her.

Kathleen is lovingly remembered by her mother Charlotte Fraser; daughters Michelle Hartzell and Kayla Warnow (Brian Warnow); her grandchildren Isaac, Jolissa, Brody, Karson, and Kyrie; her cousin and best friend Carlotta Heflin; and a wide circle of cousins, friends, and extended family.

Kathleen’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Kathleen Marie Fraser’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.