Kathryn Elizabeth Tam, (nee Koerlin) passed away Wednesday morning, February 13, 2019 at her home in Fruitland, Idaho. She was 78 years old.
Kathy was born on June 27, 1940 in Los Angeles, California. Her parents were Herbert Koerlin, a cameraman in early Hollywood and Jessie Koerlin who was mom to Kathy and her older sister, Ann C. Finney. She attended schools in Culver City and graduated 1957. She met her husband, Gail Tam, they were married November 28, 1958 in Culver City. Gail was a police officer for 40 years.
They resided in Newbury Park, California and were blessed with two sons, Ronald and Michael and one daughter, Gayleen. Kathy and her sister Ann raised their total of six kids together, enjoying beach days, birthday parties, pool days, water skiing, camping, fishing, BBQ's, holidays, any excuse to get together. The family shared an uncommon closeness throughout their lives that continues to this day.
Kathy worked for GE Telephone Company for 29 years. After Kathy and Gail retired they relocated here to Fruitland, Idaho to be close to her parents and her sister Ann Finney, her husband Larry and their sons, Douglas, Jeffrey and Steve Finney. Here she enjoyed a blessed life surrounded by family and friends. She served her community as a member of the Ontario Elk's Emblem Club, Sorority, church at West Valley Church doing good for others, always with a smile.
Kathy awaits her husband, Gail, her sister Ann, her sons Ron and his wife Robin, Mike and her daughter, Gayleen. She has 6 grandchildren, 8.5 great-grandchildren (one on the way!). She is also beloved as "Aunt Kathy" to her many nephews and nieces. Also missing her is her ever faithful dogs, D.O.Gee and George and the people who cared for her.
Meeting Kathy in Heaven is her parents, her brother-in-law, Lawrence M. Finney, who just passed 18 days ago. Her nephew, Douglass M. Finney was also there to welcome her.
She lived a wonderful life filled with love that continues to flow allowing us to carry on knowing that she still has our hearts.
Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 pm Saturday February 23, 2019 at B.P.O.E. 1690 20 SW 3rd St. Ontario, Oregon 97914. Private interment was at Emmett Cemetery. Condolences can be made to Kathryn's family at http://www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Fruitland.
Story and picture courtesy The Argus Observer.
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