Kathleen (Kathi) Sullivan Russell passed away peacefully in her home on October 31st, 2024. Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1948, she spent most of her life in Ventura County, as The Korean War brought her family to Point Mugu Naval Base in 1950. Kathi and her siblings, 3 older brothers and 1 younger sister grew up in what was arguably the best time in Ventura County, exploring the orchards and farmlands and spending long days on uncrowded beaches.
She was class of ’66 at St. Catherine’s by the Sea in Ventura, CA. Kathi was athletic, gregarious, funny, and smart. After a short stint in San Francisco, Kathi returned to Ventura. She met her partner of 47 years, Jim Russell, and eventually, they settled in their forever home in Ventura where they raised their 4 daughters. Kathi attended Ventura College and graduated from the Nursing School in 1986. She was a registered nurse for about 10 years before an injury at work forced her to retire. Though retired, she continued her passion for caring for others and never lost the healthcare vernacular.
Kathi was a self-proclaimed free spirit who felt a deep connection to nature. She was eager to attend Pow Wows and festivals throughout California and immerse herself in Native American culture. She was an avid camper and spent many of her summers (and autumns, winters, and springs) camping at the beach with Jim and the girls. She had an immense adoration for the ocean and considered it the best form of therapy. There weren’t many things in life she considered her “first rodeo”. She liked to end her evenings with a message to her loved ones saying, “Goodnight Moon”. Kathi got a kick out of keeping us on our toes. We often joked with her, that she was predictably unpredictable.
Kathi is preceded in death by her infant son, Jay Russell, her spouse Jim Russell, and her parents Donald and Helen Sullivan. She is survived by her daughters: Shalene (Mark) Hayman, Sarah (Jimmy) Spiesman, Jenny (Dave) Russell Clark, and Kelly (Forde) King; her eight grandchildren: Justin, Ashton, Siena, Kaylin, Zoey, Casen, Drew, and Brinley. She is also survived by her brothers Peter (Marie), John (Mary Ellen), and Donald (Genevieve) Sullivan, and sister Betsy (Mike) Bazdarich, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA. There will be a Celebration of Kathi’s Life following the funeral service details TBD.
If you would like to honor Kathi at the service, please consider wearing burgundy, as it was her favorite color. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Coalition for Family Harmony at 1000 Town Center Dr. Suite 500, Oxnard, CA 93036.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.