Hi Sis;
Has it really been this long?  Still think of you often.  Nina and I went into a store yesterday that was all decorated for Xmas.  I would pick up something and say "I'm getting this for Kathy" then remember that I couldn't.    Say hi to all our furry friends and to the grandparents and to Mom and of course to Jim.  His site was taken down so I can't talk to him anymore.  Miss you little sister.
CarolAnn

Hi little sister.  Time seems to be going by so quickly for us mortals.  It's been 7 years now and I think of you so often and am so thankful that we are sisters.  I did get another cat (someone threw her out of a moving car window.  A vet tech where I took my animals found her and took her to her mother's house.  The kitty didn't like the mother's cat so she was put downstairs in the basement.)  She looks just like my "Murphy" the cat you are holding in the photo of "us 3 sisters" when you two visited us in Hide-A-Way hills.  She is only 3 now but the vet tech said that I can give her back if I need to.  She is such a comfort.  Love you sis.  Have fun up there!

Hi little sis;
I sent "upstairs" my darling kitty Maggie about 4 months ago.  She was 18 and sick and it was time to let her go.  My rescue kitty Sandy developed a "bump" on her belly which turned out to be cancer.  I had surgery done but on 1/11/2021 her belly was "leaking" and I knew the cancer was back.  I had to let her go so soon after Maggie.  I have no cat now and it seems so strange; we have always had animals.  I don't think it possible that I will "outlive" another cat and cannot in good conscience, acquire a cat and then die (leaving the cat with no one to care for her)  Please welcome my Sandy and pet and scratch her a lot.  It would mean the world to me.   I love and miss you so much.

Hi little sister;
It's been 5 years now and not a day goes by that you don't pass through my thoughts.  I miss you.
CarolAnn

I miss you little sister.  Say hi to everyone.
CarolAnn

When the BAs had a winter training accident, I was transferred from overseas back to Pensacola. Kathlyn made this very difficult transition absolutely seamless for me and my Wife. It was a nightmare of work for me, but she did it all! I know that I thanked her, but not enough! Kathlyn, I know you can hear me.....Thankyou so very, very much for doing all my work and doing it with a smile! I love you for this and all the help/aid you provided. Your attitude will help me to help others! Warmest possible regards, Jim

May God bless you and comfort your family, thank you for your service and dedication as shown in your time with the "BLUES".  Larry Copeland BA 86-91, Lake City Fl,

Thank you for your service Kathryn.  You were clearly a trailblazer for women in the USN and I thank you.  Nancy Lake (Bolon), BA 98-99

It's always sad to see a team mate leave this team and move on to the next. Thank you for paving the way for future Blue Angels. You stood the watch when I was but a child hoping to one day get the chance to wear Blue and Gold. May God bless your loved ones and keep them in comfort while they miss you and one day we shall all meet in that Blue Angel reunion in the sky.

I'm deeply saddened by Kathryn's death. She was a true great teacher very articulate, yet caring and kind. She'll be deeply missed. R.I.P. Ryn.

May God keep you in his loving care until we meet again

A piece of my heart broke when I was told of Kathryn's passing.  I had the utmost pleasure of being introduced to Kathryn (Ryn) in 1991 after my college graduation.  A friend of mine was stationed in San Diego and I was going out to California for a vacation and also to visit with him.  He worked with Ryn and she was ever so kind to open her home to me while I was in California.  At the time, I was a complete stranger to her, but she still offered her home to me.  That was just the type of person Ryn was.  She was a very caring, giving, and amazingly special lady.  While Ryn and I did not spend much time together during my stay at her home in Chula Vista, since she worked days and my friend was touring me all around any chance he could get, Ryn and I still formed a friendship and bond that lasted through the years.  There was something about her that made me feel as if she was part of my family even though we didn't actually see each other again until I was able to visit with her in Colorado in early 2014.  At that time, she had already undergone the surgery that had left her paralyzed but she was the same cheery, funny, and warm lady I had met years before even though her circumstances had changed.  We had always kept in contact via email and cards, but had not seen each other in person since 1991.  The reunion felt like it had only been a couple of days since we saw each other last.  I can't fully describe the feeling, but it was as if we hadn't skipped a beat in our friendship even though it had been 23 years since we last saw each other.  After my visit with her in Colorado, we continued to keep in contact via email and phone.  We had planned for me to come back out to Colorado in the spring to visit and she had hoped she might be a bit more mobile so we could go out and do some shopping and touring around when I visited.  Unfortunately God had bigger plans for Ryn.  She was an absolutely astonishing lady!  I will never forget the bond we formed in the time that we spent together.  Until we meet again.  All my love, Kitrina

My heart is heavy with the news of Ryn's passing.  I met her while waiting in line at the ATM on the naval base in San Diego, around 1990.  I had been stationed overseas for over 4 years and was clueless about how to operate the machine.  She seemed amused when I asked her for help.  I don't remember the entire conversation, but I knew I'd met a special woman. I was lucky enough to end up working with her at Service School  Command.  We became close friends, spending a lot of time in the smoking area amusing each other with fun conversations.  She had the best comedic timing and sense of humor of anyone I've ever met.  I loved her dearly!  I was eventually transferred, as most sailors are.  Somehow, even with my very exotic locations, she & I were able to stay in touch over the years.  Occasionally we were able to get together and have some fun.  I was happy to meet Jim and to know that Ryn had finally found her bliss.  She deserved it.  I've known many people in my 60 years of life, only a few had such a wonderful impact.  She was unique and gloriously fun!  I was blessed to know her and will miss her dearly.

"Ryn" was one of my first professors in my Masters program. She was, at first, one of the most knowledgeable and articulate persons I had ever encountered. As we progressed in the curriculum, I found her to be much more than that. She was devoted in her calling, passionate about learning, and dedicated to the quest for knowledge. She created the desire for those qualities in others, and cultivated a keen interest in their attainment. Our distant friendship lasted long after that brief course and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to know her. Vaya con Dios, my friend and mentor.

OBITUARY

Kathryn Branson Fenner

December 25, 1953 – November 3, 2015

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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