Mary Kathleen Roberts

Dec. 11, 1950-March 18, 2016

Long-time Alaska resident Kathy Roberts (Mary Kathleen McGlinchy-Roberts), 65, died March 18, 2016, at home with her husband Bill, and kids Erica, Kris and adopted son Torstein holding her. Kathy courageously fought a 13-year battle with ovarian cancer, showing her family and friends how to graciously fight through recurrent adversity. Kathy never gave up her gentle ways, her zest for life or her love of family, friends and children. Just as Kathy would wish, there will be a happy celebration of life at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2016, at Faith Lutheran Church. Children are welcome just as Kathy would want it. For more information, contact Bill at 399-2700 or Faith Lutheran Church at 235-7600.

Kathy was born to James Joseph McGlinchy and Eula C. (McEwan) McGlinchy on Dec. 11, 1950, in Mt. Vernon, Wash. Kathy grew up mostly in Snohomish, Wash., before attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks where she earned her bachelor of science in home economics and in education. She was certified K-12, and was recognized as a gifted, gentle teacher who loved children. Growing up on a farm (at one time having 20,000 chickens) with six siblings made Kathy resilient, resourceful and diplomatic. Although small in stature, she had a quiet demeanor that instilled respect and confidence in her friends and family and radiated unquestioned strength of character. She was fiercely protective of her family and a devoted partner to her husband Bill. With an adventurous spirit she was willing to camp or hike anywhere her husband or kids would go.

Kathy had two children with Bill, Erica Lynn Roberts-Jacoby and Kristofer William Roberts, and had an “adopted” special son from Norway, Torstein Kjosavik.

Kathy’s siblings are Ann (McGlinchy) Braatan, Patrick McGlinchy, Marie (McGlinchy) Ferguson, Michael McGlinchy, Tim McGlinchy, and Tom McGlinchy. Her sister Ann died in 2013.

“The world is a slightly less gentle place with Kathy on to new places and new groups of children to guide and care for. Kathy told Erica recently that her ‘happy place in her mind’ was running and jumping around the yard in bare feet pretending to be a fairy. Well now she can run and jump all she wants to,” her family said.