Kathleen Mary (Derby) Sturdivant passed away unexpectedly at her home in Rancho Bernardo, CA on April 16, 2024.
She was the daughter of the late Patricia F (Sweeney) and Capt. Francis A. Derby, Ret. USN, also formerly of San Diego.
Kathleen was born in Newport RI and lived her early childhood on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts. Her family moved to San Diego in 1971 and, while a piece of her heart always remained in Massachusetts, it was in San Diego that she decided to make her home.
A 1974 graduate of Mission Bay High School, she later attended University of San Diego and earned a Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies. She worked for the San Diego County Superior Court from 1974 until her retirement in 2014. During her tenure she was honored to have served as Clerk in the courtrooms of Judge William Kennedy and Judge Blaine Bowman. In recognition of her 40 years of service, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors presented her with a plaque and proclaimed 21 August 2014 as "Kathleen Sturdivant Day" throughout San Diego County.
In 2015 she completed training for volunteers with the San Diego PD and proudly served her community as a volunteer with the Rancho Bernardo RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) after her retirement.
Kathy was a very talented artist, and excelled in creating artwork using pen and ink. She delighted in gifting friends and family her works. She loved to travel and found peace and beauty at the seashore and in the mountains of Banff Canada.
Kathleen is survived by her sister Patricia F. Derby of Milford MA and her brother Kevin F. Derby of Providence RI She was the proud and loving “AK” (Auntie Kathy) to several nieces and nephews: Stephen Souza, Jr, Kailene Souza Simon (Andrew), Ashley Souza Taylor (Thomas), Christopher Souza (Genna), Madison Derby, and Morgan Derby. She was also the Grand Aunt to Bennett, Emerson, Brady and Peyton. Kathy was the former wife of the late Thomas Sturdivant.
Kathleen's funeral will be held from the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will be held in the Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kathleen's memory to Navy Supply Corps Foundation @ www.navysupplycorpsfoundation.org or to the Rancho Bernardo RSVP @ San Diego Police Department, 1401 Broadway, MS 796, San Diego CA 92101.