Kathleen was the youngest of four children born to Ruth and James (Jack) Johnston in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. After graduating from Ripon College, Wisconsin, with a degree in Liberal Arts, Kathleen moved to California where she began her career as an elementary school teacher and reading specialist for the Lompoc Unified School District. Kathleen was a dedicated educator who taught for over 30 years and was noted as the mastermind behind the "Charlie Brown Club", a program started in 1970 to assist children with reading challenges.

Kathleen was devoted to her Lord, and her church, Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Lompoc. She volunteered as church lectern, as Eucharistic Minister visiting the sick and elderly, and dedicated nearly twenty years as a hospice care giver. Kathleen also loved the arts and was a pillar of style, taste, elegance, and grace. She enjoyed many years participating in the Lompoc Civic Theater. She had a passion for gardening and enjoyed her rounds of golf with her friends.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her late husband, Rick Grossman, a photographer and electronics instructor at the Lompoc Federal Prison. Together they enjoyed sailing and were active members of the Santa Barbara Power Squadron.

Kathleen's memory will be cherished by her surviving brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Cathleen Johnston, and Robert and Margaret Johnston of Wisconsin; 15 nieces and nephews, 33 grand nieces and nephews, and 13 great, grand nieces and nephews. Her sister, Patricia Blanchette of California, preceded her in death in 1993.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lompoc Civic Theatre, P.O. Box 69, Lompoc, CA 93438, Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 3495 Rucker Road, Lompoc 93436, or a local charity of your choice Kathleen's memory.

A funeral mass will be celebrated for her at 10 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2012 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Rev. Lawrence Santos presiding. Burial will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.