Kathleen (Kitty) Wenk, a long time resident of Lompoc, passed away on June 28, 2012, after a long battle with cancer of the breast that metastasized to the bone and brain. She was quietly courageous through it all and is mourned by friends and family.

Kitty was born in Riverside, California, on June 23, 1941. She received all her education there including a Bachelor's degree and teaching certificate from UC Riverside. She and her then husband relocated to Lompoc; she had a teaching job in Santa Maria and spent her entire career teaching in the Santa Maria area.

When Kitty remarried, it was to Robert Wenk who was retired Air Force. He was known for his community service in Lompoc. Kitty returned to school for a Master's degree in marriage and family counseling at Cal Poly.

Although she did not have children, Kitty left a large family: step-children Barbara, Roberta and Gregory; step-grandchildren Dana, Nicki, Justine, Shane and Leyoen; as well as a brother, Bruce, a veterinarian, nephews Paul and Patrick; and a niece Andrea.

There were several young members of the family: great-step-grandchildren, Sophia, Matthew and Christian; great nephews Zachary, Kaden, Nathan, and Ales; and great-niece Julia. Kitty's sister, Peggy, preceded Kitty in death, also with breast cancer, which metastasized.

Kitty had a rich and full life with her friends and loved ones and her community and church activities. She always participated in church choirs with her lovely alto voice.

During the last few years of her life, Kitty and a friend Janelle, also a widow, lived together in Kitty's condo. Kitty found that sharing a residence and her life was much more gratifying than living alone. Kitty and Janelle shared their love of dogs, music and books.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, July 14, 2012, at First Christian Church of Lompoc at 3:30 pm.