Kathleen Visovatti

Kathleen Holland Jonson Visovatti, age 79, died peacefully at Swedish Hospital with family at her side on March 16, 2018. She was born on December 30, 1938, in Mason City, Iowa, to Kenneth Irving and Phyllis (Holland) Jonson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Hall Visovatti; her son, Christopher Jay; her granddaughter May Kathleen Aleida, and her parents. She is survived by her brother Kenneth Irving Jonson II (Pamela); sister-in-law Sally Hartman, children, Scott Hall Visovatti (Moira) of Ann Arbor, MI, Kristin Liane Visovatti Johnson (Starck) of Denver, CO; grandchildren: Daisy, Rose, Joseph, Samuel, Jed, Will, and Brendan; and nieces Nancy Jonson Kapuschansky (Anthony) and Sarah Heim-Jonson Wootton (Madison). Kathleen graduated from Roosevelt High School (1957) in Des Moines, IA, and the University of Iowa (1961). She married Don Hall Visovatti in 1963 and lived in Evanston, IL. During her lifelong career as a teacher, Kathleen received the Outstanding Young Educator of Illinois award by the American JayCees (1966) and the Dolores Kohl Foundation’s Award for Exemplary Teaching (1985). Kathleen felt blessed to have been a teacher where she could make a difference in the lives of so many. In addition to teaching, Kathleen was a professional storyteller and was featured at the National Storytelling Festival (1986). She co-founded the Northshore Storytelling Guild and the Wild Onion Storytelling Festival. Kathleen was a long-time member of Unitarian Universalist and a dedicated volunteer at First Universalist Church of Denver. In addition to many church volunteer activities, Kathleen worked tirelessly for social causes, particularly for civil rights and against violence. She helped found the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force at her church and, with a multi-faith coalition, the Colorado Communities United to End Gun Violence. She served as the Metro Denver Lead on Gun Violence Prevention for the National Organizing for Action. Her goal in life was to help people and make the world a better place. Kathleen’s family and friends brought her much joy and being with her grandchildren was her heaven on earth. Kathleen’s smile, kindness, and enthusiasm live on in our hearts. They are her legacy. A memorial service will be held at First Universalist Church of Denver, 4101 E. Hampden, on March 20 at 5 o’clock. Memorial contributions may be made to one’s personal favorite non-profit organization.