Kathleen Marie (Finch) Short

Kathleen Marie (Finch) Short spent most of her 67 years of life in her hometown of Hoquiam, Washington.

Kathleen Marie (Finch) Short spent most of her 67 years of life in her hometown of Hoquiam, Washington. She was born on Aug. 22, 1952, in Aberdeen, Washington.

She grew up on Queets Avenue with her parents, Norma Jean (Ask) Finch and Delbert Finch and her sisters, Denise (Holmes) and Diane (Levold).

She graduated from Hoquiam High School Class of 1970, then attended Grays Harbor College and Central Washington University. Soon after, she met her husband, Fred. They married June 22, 1974, at Saron Lutheran Church in Hoquiam. They would have two sons together, Jason and Ryan. Kathy was the kind of mom everyone wished they had. She enjoyed volunteering at their school activities, especially Hoquiam High School sporting events. She loved her sons and her family more than anything else in life.

Kathy and Fred spent over 40 years working side by side at their business, Fred’s Auto Body in Hoquiam. Kathy always went above and beyond to help others in need. If you visited the shop, you were always welcomed with a warm smile and “how can I help you hunny?” She retired in August of 2018, only to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the following month.

Throughout her 15-month battle with cancer, she never complained. She faced this battle like she did everything else in her life. With admirable strength and her unwavering sense of humor.

Kathy was truly the epitome of selflessness. She leaves behind a legacy of putting others first that will be carried on by those that loved her most.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Norma (Ask) Finch as well as many aunts and uncles who she loved dearly. She leaves behind her husband, Fred; sons, Jason and Ryan (Serena) Short; grandchildren, Ryder and Walker Short; sisters, Denise (Ken) Holmes and Diane Levold; aunt, Sharon (Leonard) Merta and well as her nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Kathy’s memory to any Timberland branch to help a local family whose young son is battling cancer.

Join us for a celebration of Kathy’s life at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at the Aberdeen Log Pavilion.

Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary, 422- 5th Street in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.