July 16, 1957 – June 25, 2009

Kathleen Erin Lowe passed away on June 25, 2009, after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

Kathleen was born on July 16, 1957, in Pueblo, CO, the daughter of Dr. Frederick and Retta Boyle. As a child Kathleen had the opportunity to live in a variety of states including Massachusetts, Florida, North Carolina, and Alaska. Kathleen moved to Bend with her family at the age of 10, and spent the rest of her life in central and eastern Oregon.

Kathleen attended high school at Bend High and graduated in 1975. While there she was a member of the cheerleading squad and gymnastic team qualifying for the state gymnastic tournament as a senior. She began her college career at Central Oregon Community College and transferred to Oregon Health Science University to obtain her bachelors of nursing in 1979. Kathleen continued her nursing education graduating with a Masters in Community Health Nursing in 1992, and then a post-masters as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 1996.

In 1977, Kathleen reconnected with Douglas Lowe, a former Bend High classmate who became the love of her life. Kathleen and Doug married on August 25, 1979, and lived in Bend for 2 years where Kathleen worked as a RN at St. Charles Medical Center. In 1981, Kathleen and Doug moved to Heppner, OR after purchasing Bucknam’s Tavern. While in Heppner, Kathleen worked as a RN at Pioneer Hospital and then later for Oregon Health Science University.

Kathleen’s greatest love was always her family. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time together outdoors. Kathleen was an extraordinary mother and she and Doug raised three wonderful children, Travis 26, Trenton 24, and Caitlin 21.

Kathleen had many creative interests including gardening, knitting, making stain glass windows, ceramics, sewing, and quilting. Kathleen enjoyed making things for her family and friends, and most recently created exquisite quilts for each of her children.

The profession of nursing was a very important part of Kathleen’s life and she was most passionate about her role as a nursing instructor at both Oregon Health Science University and Central Oregon Community College. Kathleen was respected by her nursing students for her ability to not only instruct but to mentor and encourage them in their development as nurses.

Kathleen was surrounded by her entire family at the time of her death, which was her wish. She leaves many friends and family who will miss her tremendously.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her brother, Kevin Michael Boyle; and mother, Retta Mae Boyle; grandfathers, Kinnie Haddock and Stanley Fifield; grandmother, Grace Fifield; and Father-in-law, Dee Lowe. Kathleen is survived by her husband, Douglas Lowe; children, Travis Lowe, Trenton Lowe, and Caitlin Lowe; father, Frederick Boyle; and step-mother, Patricia Elliott Boyle; brother, Keenan Boyle; sister, Megan Boyle; grandmother, Geraldine Haddock; and mother-in-law, Loretta Lowe.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, on Friday, July 10, 2009, at Trinity Episcopal church in downtown Bend.

Kathleen Erin Lowe