Kathryn Newak Kirk

Kathy is survived by her family including her brother Raymond Newak, her daughter Laura Florida (Karl), her son Scott Kirk (Pia), as well as Laura’s children Madeleine, Zoe, and Chase, and Scott’s children Sachh, Elan, and Bodhi, who all love and miss their grandmother very much.

Kathy was the heart of our family. She led a wonderful life full of close relationships with family and friends. She was always the first to take care of others, putting their needs before her own. She was a devoted mother to her children, striving to raise them while battling and surviving breast cancer during their youth. She was also a devoted sister to her brother Ray, supporting him through the difficult period after his wife’s passing. She was a strong woman who overcame many challenges and helped her family do the same.

Kathy was born on July 4, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, and was preceded in death by her parents Ellen and Gene Newak. She grew up in the city of Detroit and the suburb of Grosse Pointe Woods until she matriculated at Western Michigan University, where she studied education as well as fashion design. Kathy first worked as a grade school teacher in suburban Detroit, until she and her husband moved to Missouri, then abroad to Norway, then to Illinois and ultimately to Upland, California. Kathy arrived in Carlsbad, California in 1994 and started a career in government service, working for the City of Solana Beach and San Diego County until retiring in 2012. She was respected, enjoyed and appreciated by her colleagues.

Kathy relished her retirement years in Carlsbad, where she was an avid pickleball player (4 hours a day!), an amazing cook, and generous host to all. She had a happy and positive outlook and demeanor, and always enjoyed a good laugh with friends. She loved to travel and experience new places, cuisines and adventures. Probably most of all, she loved being a grandma, supporting the activities and successes of her grandkids, showering them with clothing and presents, taking them on exciting outings, and accepting every opportunity to care for them. She was always quick to spoil anyone within range of her busy kitchen with wonderful food prepared with love. She was a curious and creative cook, with a vast collection of cookbooks and the ability to always craft something delicious from whatever ingredients were available. Every Christmas, she astounded her family and friends with abundant deliveries of varied and delicious holiday cookies.

Having been born on the Fourth of July, Kathy had a passion for fireworks and celebrating her birthday always made the holiday extra special. She lived a good life full of love and kindness, and set a magnificent example of how to put family and friends first and fill everyone’s lives with love. Her family celebrates her and will seek to continue the strong traditions she espoused. She will be dearly missed.

In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held.