Kathleen Jo (McKnight) Thurston Obituary (1948

Kathleen "Kathy" Jo Thurston was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She passed away peacefully on March 16, 2022, at the age of 73. She was born in Sharon, PA on October 19, 1948, to the late James and Josephine (Smith) McKnight. After graduating from Sharpsville High School of PA in 1966 and later Shenango Valley Business School, she moved to Washington D.C. where she worked for the Red Cross. In Washington D.C., she met George Jerry Thurston "Jerry", who she married in 1968 at St. Bartholomew's church in Sharpsville, PA. They lived together in Washington D.C. before moving to Bremerton, WA to raise their family. Together they had two children, Kevin, and Jill. Kathy worked as an administrative assistant at many organizations throughout her career, including for the government at Bangor and Keyport Naval Bases. While she enjoyed her career, her main joy was raising her children. Kathy loved spending time listening to music, reading (especially about world history or biographies), and snow skiing. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen and always made cut-out cookies for every occasion. She cherished her time with her children and her grandchild, especially around the holidays. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Thurston and her son Kevin Thurston. Kathy is survived by her daughter Jill Thurston of Bothell, WA, her granddaughter Kayla Dyer (Jason) of Bremerton, WA, and her great-granddaughter Estelle. She is also survived by her brothers, James (Shirley) McKnight of Pittsburg, PA, Thomas (Jayne) McKnight of Durham, NC, Sisters Paula (Robert - deceased) Harenchar of Sharpsville, PA, Gretchen (Richard) Haas of Delaware, OH and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial will be held on Friday, April 8th. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Red Cross on her behalf.