March 25, 1934 – april 28, 2019

Our loving, vivacious, opinionated, elegant, curious, and fun-loving mother/friend/grandmother passed away recently.

We will all miss her terribly.

Kitty, Katharine, Kay, Mother, Mo, Ma, Mum, and Nonna as she was known at various times and places will be remembered for the intensity and joy with which she lived. From destroying all competitors at croquet on the wide green lawn to recommending the latest of the hundreds of books she read to discussing the sorry state of current politics. She was filled with an unabating desire to engage completely and live fully.

Born in Seattle, to Adeline O. and Matthew S. Alexander, Kitty attended the Sacred Heart and St. Nicholas before heading to college at Wellesley…..then, her second summer back, she met the love of her life, Charles William “Bill” Golding from Virginia promising her parents to finish college after a few years of marriage, which she did at the UW.

Katharine’s father bought a beautiful beach home on Dolphin Point in 1937 where she passed wonderful summers first as a girl and then with her family. In 1991 Katharine and Bill made Vashon Island their permanent home where she worked tirelessly on the beautiful gardens while caring for him. Widowed in 2004, Katharine became an ever greater part of the island community.

Katharine was dedicated to her husband, her friends, her family and her community. For the latter, her volunteer career was extensive. Starting with the Junior League she proved a natural leader and superb contributor and went on to use her skills at the UW Medical Center, serving on the Visiting and Human Subjects committees and serving as Chair the Board. A huge impact was serving 25+ years as the sole lay member of UW School of Medicine Admissions committee – 100s of Drs were chosen due to their compassion and communication skills along with grades and test scores.

On Vashon Katherine was deeply involved with the Church of the Holy Spirit serving in many roles including as Sr. Warden. She was also dedicated to the growth and success of the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Museum where she served on the board for many years and drove numerous campaigns.

She is survived by her three sons and their families (William and Jacqueline, children Madeleine & William; Davis & Kristen; Peter and Tracey and children Abraham and Priya) as well as numerous friends.

Please make any remembrances to the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association.