Kathleen Monzelle Smith Dolsen was born and raised in Ballard, Washington, on November 2, 1951. She was the daughter of Ralph and Mildred Smith. Kathy had a memorable childhood in Ballard, a highlight included singing with the Ballard Choral.

In 1972, Kathy made the bold decision to move to Lopez Island where she worked at the Lopez Islander Resort, lived in a tiny cabin, learned how to chop wood, and met the love of her life, Gary Dolsen.

Gary and Kathy had many adventures after they met and married, including when they became parents to their son Brad Conan, raising him on San Juan Island together.

Kathy was part of many local clubs and committees in her life including many years with the San Juan Singers and the Marine Resource Committee, to name just a few. Kathy had many talents which led her to different careers on San Juan, her most recent and loved as the bookkeeper for Westcott Bay Shellfish Company for nearly a decade.

Kathy is loved and remembered by her husband Gary Dolsen, son and daughter-in-law Brad and Audrey Dolsen, and granddaughter Violet, as well as so many family members and wonderful friends.

Kathy lost her battle against cancer on January 28, 2020, passing away peacefully in her home on San Juan surrounded by her family.

Kathy Dolsen was both a classy lady and Viking Warrior, those that knew her felt her kind heart and her fighting spirit. She will be greatly missed.