Kathryn Louise Absten

Kathryn “Katy” Louise (Moose) Absten, 60, passed away with her family by her side in Vaughn, Washington on October 18, 2018. She was born in Bremerton, WA on May 6, 1958 to Paul and Pati Moose.

Katy grew up in Bremerton and moved to California in her late teens where she graduated from high school. She then moved to Park City Utah at the age of 18. While on a visit to the Key Peninsula area in Washington later that year, Katy met and fell in love with a friend of her sister’s, Roger Absten. Katy and Roger quickly married and started a family welcoming their first child Harmony in December of 1977. Two more babies would follow, Ivy in 1980 and Kyle in 1982. All the while Katy worked to complete her college degree. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Evergreen State College and later received her Master’s Degree from Lesley University.

Katy was passionate about her career as a mathematics educator, both as a teacher and as a Math Specialist. She had a significant impact on mathematics educators and reforming mathematics education throughout Washington and around the county, most notable being her leadership in the development of the Bridge to College high school transition course now being taught in many classrooms across the state.

She was best known for her unwavering dedication to her family and her love of all things outdoors. She was an avid gardener and the very best Grammy ever!

She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Roger Lane Absten; her daughter, Harmony(Craig) Gehlert, her daughter, Ivy (Shawn) Gardner and her son, Kyle(Jamie) Absten, her 8 beloved grandchildren; Jade, River, Evan, Owen, Kasen, Jenna, Swan, and Korbin.

Katy is deeply loved and will be missed every day by her family and friends. Katy’s Final Party will be held at Yang's Botanical Gardens in Port Orchard, WA on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a math educator scholarship fund in Katy’s memory that is being created to honor Katy’s work in math education. If you are interested in donating, please send an email to kamathscholarship@gmail.com and the family will provide information on how to donate once the details are finalized.

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