Katherine Louise Gower Simpson was born at Swedish Hospital in Seattle on Dec. 11, 1948.
A true Northwest woman, she graduated from Newport High School in Bellevue, Class of 1967, and subsequently earned her degree in art at the University of Washington. She worked a long and distinguished career as a member of the professional staff at the University of Washington. Her last and favorite position was as the Assistant to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, where she served from 1991-2004.
With her husband, John, she then enjoyed an eight-year hiatus in Buffalo, New York, where she was the first lady of the University at Buffalo of the SUNY system. She and John returned to her beloved Washington in 2011, settling near the Hood Canal in Port Ludlow.
They enjoyed very active lives, particularly in building their remarkable home, collecting art, and cruising the Salish Sea on one of the several boats they progressively owned. She and her husband also were part owners of SeaMarine. Katherine was, as well, superbly skilled in the fiber arts; anything with thread or yarn was in her talented domain. Elegant, cultured, and possessed of a remarkable and unique sense of style, Katherine was truly loved by all who had the good fortune to know her. She passed away at home on June 4, 2022, at 73.
Mrs. Simpson will be cremated at Miller-Woodlawn Mortuary in Bremerton. Memorial donations should be directed to the Jefferson County Humane Society.
