Obituary of Kathleen Marie Spence Kunis

Kathleen Marie (Spence) Kunis died at home on the morning of July 10 after a long battle with cancer. A passionate educator with a musical voice and unique sense of humor, her life was defined by concern for others. Kathleen was born in Jacksonville, FL, and grew up in Santa Cruz County. She graduated from Soquel High School, attended Cabrillo College and Chico State, and earned a degree in Education from San Jose State University. She was a pioneer for women's sports, and her success as a runner pushed Soquel and Cabrillo to expand their athletic programs. Kathleen taught Physical Education and Health Science in the Fremont School District for 26 years and lived in the South Bay Area for most of that time before returning to Santa Cruz in 2012. Kathleen is survived by her devoted husband of 32 years, David; her parents Therese and Harland Johnson of Santa Cruz; and father James Spence of Albany, OR. She is also survived by her brother James Spence of Lakeport; sister Jan Reeves of Silverton, OR; sister Laura Pavlovich of Del Mar; brother Mark Spence of Albany, OR; and step-sisters Jan Johnson, Julie DePaul, and Jill Vago. Kathleen was also the beloved aunt of 11 nieces and nephews. She was deeply loved, and will be dearly missed, by all. Kathleen was preceded in death by her nephew Joseph Spence, and step-brother Harland Johnson. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 2:00 pm, Oakwood Memorial Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Kathleen's memory to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz SPCA, or a charity of the donor's choice.