Kathleen Patricia Gibson-Rodgers' Obituary
Kathleen Patricia Gibson-Rodgers
(1960 - 2023)
The night sky has grown brighter as a new star has emerged to join the constellations.
On June 13th, Kathleen Patricia Gibson-Rodgers passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly.
Kathleen was born, raised and lived her entire life in Sacramento. She’s preceded in passing by her Father Robert; Mother Barbra; Brother Steven and her three beloved whippets…Brodie, Sophie & Luca.
She’s survived by her loving Husband of 28 years, Michael; Daughter Larkin Love, whippets Finley & Piper, her two sisters Wendy Monical (of Sacramento) and Susan Marty (of Michigan) along with countless nieces, nephews & cousins.
Kathleen attended Beauty School right out of high school which resulted in a successful 30+ year career as a Hair Designer and Business Owner. She was exceptional at her craft and whose service went well above & beyond just hair. To her clients, she was a friend, counselor, confidant and shoulder to cry on. She was their everything.
She gave fully and freely of herself and with no exception. Being a very empathetic person she was keenly aware of people's feelings & emotions. And so kindness towards others was who she was. Random Acts of Kindness were a common occurrence for her.
Years into her career she decided to continue her education and enrolled at American River Community College where she earned a AA Degree with honors. She became part of the ARC Theater Group where she excelled at and was praised by her instructors for her acting ability. She had roles in several school productions then shows in local theaters around Sacramento. She later returned to ARC and enrolled in their Culinary Program where she earned her Pastry Chef Certification.
She had further aspirations of continuing her education.
Kathleen and Michael tried to expand their family only to discover that she couldn’t conceive. This came after numerous miscarriages and seeing countless Doctors & Specialists along the way.
They were told about and attended a seminar for an Adoption Agency specializing in International Adoptions. They then set out to adopt from China, which at the time they were told would take 6-9 months to be matched with a child. Instead, it turned into 8+ years long, arduous & emotionally exhaustive wait. It finally culminated in travel to China where they were blessed with their daughter, Larkin Love on Mother’s Day 2014. Larkin had just turned 17 months old.
In the 9 short years of being a family, Kathleen was the most steadfast, loving & caring Mother, imparting to Larkin the importance of peace, love & respect of all living creatures, patience, confidence & strength of self, speaking your truth, pursuing dreams, to push through all obstacles and to not give up.
Kathleen was a fiercely strong woman and yet soft & fragile at the same time. A loving person who would fight with every fiber of her being for those she cared for, some of whom she’d never met in person but only knew from the many groups she was involved with online. She stood up for those less fortunate.
She had an incredible ability to connect with people and they immediately felt that they were seen, heard and loved.
A favorite quote of hers was from Gandhi which read, “Be the change you want to see in the World”
Using that as a mantra, she approached life in a way to be “the change”. To have a peaceful, loving & caring impact on the World around her.
She succeeded and all the World is better for it.
She’ll be greatly missed and yet her love and outlook on life will continue to live on through Michael and Larkin and those lives she touched.
As the Chinese proverb of the "red thread" says, “We'll forever remain connected regardless of the time, place or circumstance.”
Until we meet again...
A donation is being made in Kathleen’s name at the Front Street Animal Shelter. Anyone else who’d like to do the same can do so by either mailing it to: Front Street Animal Shelter, 2127 Front Street Sacramento CA 95818 or online at their web site: https://friendsoffrontstreet.networkforgood.com/projects/168966-city-of-sacramento-front-street-animal-shelter
What’s your fondest memory of Kathleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathleen?
Share a story where Kathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathleen you’ll never forget.
How did Kathleen make you smile?