Kathleen Ann Mardesich

Kathleen Ann Mardesich

July 4, 1943 – September 16, 2025

On September 16, 2025, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Kathleen Ann Mardesich passed away peacefully at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family.

Kathleen was born on July 4, 1943, in San Pedro, California, to Henry “Babe” Kennerson and Ethel Wilma Kennerson. Being a true firecracker baby, she lit up every room she walked into. Growing up in a big family, she shared her life with her siblings, Robert, Carl, Fred, Joyce, and Marilyn.

She later married the love of her life, Dr. Andrew M. Mardesich. Together, they built a marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion that lasted 54 years, until Andrew’s passing. They raised three daughters, Elizabeth Ann Canfield (Greg), Brenda Lee Baumgard (Mike), and Melissa Marie Mardesich. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Crystal Marie Champagne (Chris), Douglas Andrew Nelson (Natalie), and Joshua Michael Baumgard, and she is preceded in death by her grandsons, Christopher Lee Haupt and Michael Ellis Nelson. Kathleen was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Caylee Lynn Champagne, Juniper Vega Winans, and Robin Enceladus Winans.

From the beginning, Kathleen lived with passion and creativity. She was a gifted dancer, loving ballet and tap, and delighted in the joy of music and movement. She had an eye for fashion and was even featured in newspapers for her clothing designs. Sewing became one of her lifelong talents, and she loved making clothes for her children and grandchildren.

Life with Andrew was full of shared adventures. They loved to camp and travel, with Mendocino, Mammoth, Oregon, and Las Vegas holding a special place in their hearts. On the ocean, she loved being by Andrew’s side while out on their boat, as he fished.

Kathleen’s home was never just a house, it was a gathering place. She loved hosting, and her parties were known for being filled with laughter, good food, and people who adored her. After moving to her dream home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, she shared her days with her daughter Melissa, filling their home with family, friends, and the joy of children. She had a special love for kids and delighted in being around them. Her great-granddaughters’ friends often visited and became like family, and Kathleen treasured every moment of their energy and laughter. She always had the best kid snacks for them because Kathleen was a kid at heart. She always had pockets full of fruit snacks and her kitchen was always stocked with gummy worms, chocolate, donuts, Twinkies, Capri Suns, Sprite and popcorn. Kathleen knew the way to their hearts and will live in their hearts forever.

Christmas was one of Kathleen's most cherished times of year, made even more meaningful because it was not only her daughter’s birthday, but also the day she celebrated the birth of her Lord and Savior. She loved gathering with family at her Granddaughter’s home, enjoying their traditional prime rib Christmas dinner with mashed potatoes, and Nona's Mostaccioli. Kathleen enjoyed watching her great-granddaughter’s excitement, knowing they shared the same passion for the holiday. Christmas brought her some of her greatest joy and created lasting memories her family will forever hold close to their hearts.

She was vibrant, adventurous, and always willing to try new things. Even into her 80s, she refused to let age slow her down; she hopped on jet skis at 81 years old and could always be found in her pool, enjoying the sunshine. Kathleen loved the outdoors, whether floating on the lake, boating, or just basking in the warmth of the desert sun.

Animals held a special place in Kathleen’s heart as well. She could never turn one away, and her home was always full of pets, most recently her beloved 18-year-old cat, Dino.

Music was also one of Kathleen’s lifelong joys. Elvis Presley was her favorite, but she also loved Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. Their music filled her home and her heart, creating a soundtrack for the countless gatherings, quiet evenings, and celebrations of her life.

She will be remembered as the life of the party, the one who lit up every room, the one who could make anyone feel welcome and loved. Kathleen lived with joy, humor, and a deep love for her family and friends. She created a legacy that goes far beyond the memories she leaves behind. It lives on in the laughter of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, in the traditions she started, and in the countless lives she touched with her warmth.

Her family and friends will miss her more than words can say, but we will honor her by carrying her joy and her laughter with us. Kathleen left this world as she lived in it, surrounded by love.