Kathleen Ann (Kaalberg) Pettigrew

Kathleen Ann Pettigrew, “Kay” to most of her friends, passed away at age 84 from complications of cancer on January 20, 2015 at Gentiva Hospice in Palm Desert, CA. She was born on March 24, 1929 in Nichols, Iowa to Frank J. and Mary C. (Bermel) Kaalberg.

Kathleen graduated Valedictorian from Nichols High School (’46). She attended Mount Mercy Junior College in Cedar Rapids, IA, from which she graduated with high distinction. Kathleen earned a Bachelor of Arts from Iowa Teachers College (’53) in Cedar Falls, IA and obtained her Advanced Elementary Teachers Certificate, going to work for the Independent School District of Davenport, IA.

Kathleen married Alfred H. Pettigrew in 1961 at St. Bernardines Church, in San Bernardino, CA. Nine years later, she gave birth to her only child, son Jon.

A homeowner, Kathleen was active for many years in the Delmann Heights Homeowners and Tenants Association and in 1980 was honored for her service to the Association.

Kathleen worked for the County of San Bernardino, CA as a secretary for 5 ½ years. She worked for a time at the American Lung Association. Kathleen retired from California State University San Bernardino in 1994 after more than 15 years working as a Clerical Assistant in the Office of Institutional Research. After retirement, she went back to school to renew her teaching credential and for nearly 2 ½ years Kathleen worked as a tutor at One-On-One Tutoring, Inc., where she was described as a responsible, reliable, enjoyable employee.

Later in life, she returned to child rearing, becoming the legal guardian of two young children.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Frank, and by her step-mother, Marie. Kathleen is survived by her loving son, Jon Pettigrew and daughter-in-law, Brittany Walker Pettigrew of Oakland, CA; her sisters, Dolores Suchomel of Cedar Rapids, IA and Sr. Ramona Kaalberg of Johnston, IA; her brother, Gayle Kaalberg of West Liberty, IA; grandchildren, Withelma “T” Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, Hana Walker Pettigrew, and Kai Walker Pettigrew; former wards, Johann and Adrianna Limon; her nieces and nephews and other relatives and loved-ones.

An avid reader, Kathleen read over seventy-five books in 2014 alone. She is remembered for her independent spirit, willingness to help others, and her nurturing love for children.

A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, 2525 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92405 at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 13, 2015. The final interment to take place at a later date in Northern California. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Covenant House California, 1325 N. Western Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90027.