By Judi Curry
I first met Katie over 43 years ago when she was my daughter’s BlueBird/Campfire Leader. She was one of the most intelligent women I had ever met, and I was in awe of all the things that she managed to do in 24 hours. She seemed to volunteer for anything that she believed in, and did an outstanding job in all areas.
She received her Master’s in speech pathology and Audiology way before women were receiving Master’s degrees. She trained as a mediator and worked in many schools, always advocating for equality and justice. She and I discussed different ways of bringing parents into the schools and much later she wrote a grant entitled “Grassroots Coalition for Education”, with the purpose to hold conferences to promote inclusion and parents’ roles in schools. She became involved with the PTA, and ran a successful program called “ PTA Project Hope” – (Harness our Parent Energy.)
In 1988 she was named San Diego “Woman of the Year” for her volunteer efforts.
After she turned 65, she focused on going back to school to obtain her Ph.D, and, at the age of 84 achieved that goal! Her dissertation was not an easy one – “Challenging Complicity: The Shaping of White Antiracist Lives Against the Prevailing Wind” – and had four universities involved in her final arguments.
She was very active in the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park development and always lived up to her goals and values. To quote her obituary,
“she was a passionate advocate of social justice; equal opportunity, equal treatment and equal respect for ever person regardless of race, gender, financial status or any other social category.”
She always did set her goals high, and never settled for less. She modeled her values and competence; was easily a “mover and a shaker.” Her motto, as was mentioned at her memorial today was “You are lovable and capable. You can do this. You can succeed.”
I do owe Katie a debt of gratitude, however. At her services today her daughter stated that “ . . . she was the most embarrassing mother on the planet.” My children always thought that I was that person and I am so glad to hear that Katie had the title – not me!
She will be greatly missed, but her mark will remain for years to come. RIP, Katie Klumpp.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Katie was an activist who was her own activist organization. She took action for what she believed in. One of a kind, never hesitating to take on a real issue. I loved Katie; I will miss her. Nobody else can tell me what to do quite the way she did.
Beautiful text and I’m sure Katie was a wonderful person. I’m always thrilled with stories of people who have done their best in life, from people like Katie, who helped their community whenever they could and in the best way possible. Amazing story and thanks for sharing. Stay with god Katie
This is so touching Judi. That you knew her back to your daughter’s Bluebird/Campfire days. I remember meeting Katie. Hearing the stories of her PhD and her activism. I just hate obituaries.
She was a wonderful lady!
I did not know Katie personally but I do recall meeting her at Sunset Cliffs Rec Council meetings. Katie was impressive and no doubt passionate about her community.
Quite an accomplished lady who will be missed.
I grew up with the family, Perin and I were good friends. I would stay the night and Katie would make us cookies. She was always nice, the neighborhood will miss her.