Kathleen Jean Miles

Kathleen (Kathy) Miles, 71, of Roseville, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on October 20 of pancreatic cancer. Born November 21, 1951, to John A. and Mary Miles in Oakland, CA, Kathy was the beloved mother of daughters Emilie Cameron and Rachel (Enrique) Arrezola; adored grandmother of Alex and George; spoiler of fur-sons Mick and Wilson; and dear friend to many. 

A devoted mother, Kathy raised her girls in Davis, CA, sharing her love for learning and adventure. An avid explorer, Kathy enjoyed discovering new places, cities and parks across the country, especially with her girls. Following several years living outside of Tokyo, Japan in the early 1960’s, Kathy fell in love with experiencing new cultures and traditions. From trips across the US to international travels, Kathy would excitedly recount stories of braving snow storms and hurricanes along the East Coast, discovering the rolling hills of New Zealand, ruins of Machu Picchu, majesty of the Great Wall of China, views from the Cliffs of Moher, canals of Venice and Paris' Eiffel Tower, as well as dining with Bob Hope and John Denver in Fiji and relaxing along the beaches of Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas. A planner with a knack for finding unexpected experiences, Kathy was an active travel companion for family and friends alike. While Kathy traveled to more than a dozen countries across five continents, she found her favorite places near home in San Francisco and Bodega Bay. 

With degrees from the University of California, Davis and California State University, Fresno, Kathy found her passion in nursing and caring for others early in her life. For nearly four decades, Kathy worked in the Emergency Department of Kaiser Permanente on Morse Ave in Sacramento, CA. As a young nurse, her dedication to patient care soon landed her in management roles. As the ED's nursing director, Kathy was dedicated to her staff and patients, known for her intelligence and meticulous work ethic. Kathy quickly earned a reputation for her unwavering dedication to her profession, fondly referred to as "the legend" by so many of her Kaiser colleagues. From nurses to physicians, techs to receptionists, every co-worker has a story of Kathy's tenacious ability to make their day better. 

Best known for her kindness, Kathy frequently leant her expertise in support of community health and causes most dear to her. A compassionate spirit, Kathy was a model of strength and independence and she positively impacted all that knew her. Her greatest pride came as grandmother where she continued to impart her love for adventure, frequently taking her grandsons on field trips to spark their own passion for learning. 

A life-long learner herself, in retirement Kathy found tremendous joy in diving into her passions for gardening, cooking, and knitting. With binders filled with notes from classes and she continued to regularly attend, Kathy quickly became an expert in each. Kathy beamed when talking about learning new stitches and her newest garden project, recently planting a Chinese Cornflower in memory of her dear friend Margaret. 

Kathy loved her friends fiercely, especially Margaret and Deb who quickly became an extension of her family and aunties to her girls. She took great comfort having Deb with her girls and several friends at her side during her unimaginably brief battle with cancer. Kathy's indomitable spirit fought with grace that continues to bring comfort to her family and friends who miss her dearly. 

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. The rain falls soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. ~ Irish Blessing 

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in memory of Kathy to WEAVE Sacramento at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/KathyMiles. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, December 9, 1-4PM at the Boxing Donkey Irish Pub in Roseville, CA. Condolences may be added online at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/Q003S6F8.