Kathy Lee Polhemus

Kathy Lee Polhemus died unexpectedly but peacefully in the cabin she helped build in Grand County, Colorado on Sept 7, 2018, a day before her 70th birthday.

Kathy is survived by her husband Carl, son Gavin, daughter Tenly, grandchildren Eric, Monroe and Luella, and sister Susan.

Kathy was born in Oakland, California on Sept 8,1948 to Ray and Patricia McMullin. She matriculated High School in Johannesburg, South Africa. She met Carl while studying Political Science at Washington State University. After a sub optimal proposal, Kathy married Carl in 1969 and moved to Denver, completing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. The couple welcomed Gavin to the household in 1972 and Tenly in 1979. Kathy's adored kitten, Chigger, did not welcome these arrivals, but still provided two decades of joy, sneezing, and itching eyes for all members of the household under Kathy's loving care.

As Gavin and Tenly grew, Kathy initiated baby sitting co-ops and became heavily involved in the Cherry Creek School District. She was a passionate, at times fierce, advocate for her children's best interests. They were able to pursue their individual dreams-Gavin's in physics and Tenly's in music-thanks to her unwavering, tireless support. She served on PTCO, Long Range Facility Planning, Parent's Council, Accountability Committee, Legislative Network, Bond Elections, and as the District's Volunteer Coordinator. Kathy was involved in Brownies and served as Den Mother and Pack Leader of Cub Scouts. She was elected State President of AAUW, received the 1997 Women Leaders of Excellence Award, co-founded the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation, worked for Arapahoe Advocates for Children, founded Dress for Success-Denver and served as it's Executive Director for 6 years, and ran as an Independent for the United States Congress in 2012. Despite her many accomplishments, she may have missed her true calling as an interior designer, or royal queen.

An open house will be held from 1-4pm on Oct 20 at 1965 E. Chenango Ct, Englewood,Colorado. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to: Colorado Advocates for Children, Cherry Creek Schools Foundation, The ACLU, or Dress for Success-Denver.