Katherine Dunn

fourth generation Islander and longtime Island kindergarten teacher died the evening of December 22, after being hit by a car. She was surrounded by her family and a few of her many friends. Kathy died as she lived; as her last conscious act, she shielded her grandson from the graver impact of the vehicle and he survived the accident.Born on May 6, 1943, to Ick and Katy Warner, Kathy grew up on the Island and graduated in the class of '61 from Bainbridge High School. She received her teaching degree from Seattle University and taught kindergarten at the Fort Ord army base in California before meeting her husband, Dave Dunn, and moving back to the Island. She taught kindergarten at Commodore and then at Wilkes Elementary for three decades before her first retirement in 2002. She then became a first grade aide at The Island School for seven years. Kathy loved teaching and particularly enjoyed running into former students to chat about what they were up to.After retiring, Kathy became active in local politics and was proud to be a member of the Civil Service Commission and the Police Roundtable. She also worked with Quality Bainbridge and stumped for many a local Democrat.Kathy also loved theater, music, champagne and shopping. She was a good person to call if you needed to rationalize an impulse purchase. She was also active in Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church.Community was a touchstone for Kathy, who loved Bainbridge Island and her many friends and acquaintances. She had the gift of gab and could take an hour to buy milk at Town and Country.Above all, Kathy loved her family, particularly her grandchildren, Annika and Henry. Kathy is also survived by her son, David Dunn, daughter-in-law Jessica Haggar, daughter Katy Dunn, and son-in-law Tom Lay. Her husband of 36 years, Dave Dunn, predeceased her. Kathy was a unique and brilliant light, beloved by many. She will be deeply missed.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the memorial service on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Bainbridge High School Commons Room on Bainbridge Island, Washington. A light reception will follow. Private interment will take place at Kane Cemetery on Bainbridge island.Please, no flowers; donations can be sent:The Kathy Dunn Memorial Scholarship Fund Bainbridge Island Education AssociationBHS ℅ Dave Layton, President 9330 NE High School Rd.Bainbridge Island WA 98110.Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.