Kathleen Bander

Kathleen Bander, 75, Bellingham, Wash. died peacefully surrounded by her friends and family on Fri., Dec. 3, 2021 in her home.

Kathleen was born on Oct. 17, 1946 in Palo Alto, California to Robert and Margaret (Elkins) Bander. She was the first born of five children. Her father was a Fulbright Scholar and as such, she developed a penchant for travel, living in Italy, Thailand, Saudi Arabia. Kathleen graduated high school in Palo Alto in 1964 and graduated from the UW in Political Science in 1969. Following graduation, she married Cary Jensen and volunteered for Vista, being placed in Indiana. She received her Masters degree in Public Administration from Seattle U in 1976. After moving to Seattle in 1968, job opportunities included working in PR for Group Health, running the campaign for Senator Ray Moore (Aloha Ray), working in the news department at King TV, field research for various medical organizations, running Bill Mirand’s two campaigns for IBEW 46 Business Manager, and Labor councils’ liaison to public schools.

Kathleen married Bill Mirand (originally from Medina, NY) on July 28, 1984 and together they were an incredible team, designing and building three homes, traveling to over 35 countries and joining the Peace Corps upon retirement, serving in Western Samoa.

Kathleen thrived on developing relationships with a variety of people and loved organizing parties. Her ice cream socials were well-known for over 20 years. She was always ready to explore new things and her passions were vast and endless. She enjoyed spinning and weaving, knitting, working with clay, cooking and preserving food and working in her gardens. For several years, Kathleen wrote a column, ASK A GARDENER for the Bellingham Herald. She cofounded BatsNorthwest, educating many to the value of bats. Kathleen enjoyed hiking, raising chickens, educating and always ready for her next adventure. She was an incredibly gifted teacher.

In Kathleen’s words, “People have always remarked on how fit and active I’ve been throughout my life. My unexpected encounter with ALS is the exception.”

Diagnosed in August of this year, she fought this relentless, rapidly moving disease with grace, wit and humor, maintaining her indomitable spirit to the end. Kathleen is survived by her husband, Bill Mirand of Bellingham, Wash.; son, Filmon Ali and his fiancé, Kara; grandchildren: Eli and Savannah; sister, Margo Goodloe of Marysville, Wash.; brother, Anthony Bander of Arlington, Wash.; Goddaughter, Mary Knowles; nieces and nephews: Stephanie (Jay) Masi of Chicago, Ill. and Wesley (Brett) Monahan of San Francisco, Calif.; brother-in-law, Jim (Linda) Mirand of Medina, NY; and sister-in-law: Berle Driscoll of Brooklyn, NY and Patricia (Jerry) Monahan of Oliver, British Columbia, Canada.

Kathleen’s Celebration of Life will be held on Fri., Jan.y 7, 2022 at 12 p.m. at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Bellingham, Wash. There will be a video available for friends unable to attend the celebration.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Kathleen Bander at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com