Kathy King

Kathy was a devoted mother, loving sister, faithful Catholic, and lifetime educator, spending over three decades as an elementary school teacher in Pinellas County.

Kathy was born on October 22, 1947 in Evanston, IL to Mary and Leonard Dale, but grew up in Wisconsin with her six siblings. In her early adult years, she moved to Alabama with her family where she earned her master’s degree in education at the University of Alabama. Kathy took her first teaching job in Brooksville, FL.

Kathy met local attorney James A. “Tony” King, Jr. in Clearwater, FL at a church event. They were married in 1981 and their only child, Christine, was born in 1984. They were married until his passing in 2000. She was an accomplished and beloved elementary school teacher. She retired from teaching after 34 years but continued to be a substitute teacher for many years afterwards. For many years, she was in a committed relationship with Peter Blume, a small business owner, and developed deep bonds with his two children. In 2016, Kathy moved from Clearwater to Fort Lauderdale to live near her daughter and her grandchildren.

Kathy loved to do jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, play golf, travel, and be involved with her family. She cherished the relationships she had with her daughter, her son-in-law, three granddaughters, and six siblings and their spouses. A world traveler, Kathy’s life was marked by a spirit of adventure and an easy-going nature; she was always ready to try something new. She was very self-sufficient, self-disciplined, determined, and stubborn, which saw her through many challenges in life.

She is missed by her daughter Christine K. Thompson, her son-in-law Andrew M. Thompson, and granddaughters Addie, Mary Beth and Charlotte Thompson; her stepchildren Peter Blume and Debbie Linkogle; her siblings Rita Pittenger, Mike Dale, Betsy Purcell, Cindy Halstenson, Barb Dale, and Peter Dale and their spouses. She was a charming dinner companion, and puzzle partner to her many good friends at the Preserve at Palm Aire, where she resided. She was a parishioner at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale and is also lovingly remembered by friends from Light of Christ Catholic Church in Clearwater, FL.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tony King, and Peter Blume.

Visitation was held on Thursday, March 12, 2020 from 4:00 - 7:00 at the Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Kathy's funeral service was held on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 10:00 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. 901 NE 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale. Burial took place in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.

Online tributes at: www.kraeerfairchild.com