Kathy Allan, 50

Kathryn Marie (Thom) Allan peacefully passed away at the home of her dearest friend, Joe Vellos, on Oct. 14, 2012. Kathy was born Nov. 6, 1961, in Coeur d’Alene. Kathy was such a joy to her patents, Donald J. and June D. (Brueher) Thom.

Time and again through her “too short” life she brought joy to those she came in contact with. Kathy always looked for ways to add a little brightness to the life of others. She was such a caring person. Nothing made her happier than to make someone else happy.

Kathy attended grade school in Coeur d’Alene and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1980. She moved with her family to Wenatchee, Wash., where she worked at Central Washington Hospital medical records and taught herself medical transcription on her own hours and worked in that profession for 27 years.

Kathy met James Allan in 1982 in San Diego, Calif., and they were married in 1983 in Redmond, Wash. Their first daughter, Jessica Dian Allan, was born Oct. 12, 1987. Ashley Nicole Allan was born April 18, 1990, and Zachary James Allan on March 8, 1996.

Kathy always had a desire for more education and over the years she took many college classes. She also was very active in her children’s school and helped out as often as she could in the classroom. This past fall she received her associate’s degree in early childhood education. Just recently Kathy was hired to teach kindergarten in Coeur d’Alene and was thrilled to be doing what she loved. She loved interaction with little children.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her infant son, Bradley James Allan; and grandparents, Emma and Herman Thom, and Donald L. Brueher. She is survived by her parents and three children; her brother, Donald Alan Thom (Maile); nieces, Rita McGarry and Marisa Thom; her new best friend, Kira Vellos; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, also at Yates Coeur d’Alene Chapel with burial at Forest Cemetery. A reception will follow at Yates Hayden Gathering Center. You may visit Kathy’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.