Kathleen Ann Flint

Kathleen “Kathi” Ann Flint passed peacefully the evening of December 6, 2023, in the care of hospice with family comforting her from near and far. Kathi was 76 years old. We lost a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and a friend. Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not.

She was born on November 16, 1947, to Garth and Margaret Howton. Kathi was the third of five children: daddy’s girl. She grew up in Oregon with her parents, two sisters and two brothers. She was the strong-willed middle child who was known to keep everyone on their toes. She had a bit of sass, a lot of spirit, and a great sense of humor. As a teenager, she was sent alone to Louisiana to live with her aunt and uncle. It was there that she graduated from high school in Alexandria, LA in 1965.

Kathi returned to Oregon after graduating. She welcomed two children to the world: first Darci and then 2 years later, Bill. A hard worker her whole life, she believed the most important job she held was that of a mom.

She later met the love of her life, Wayne Flint. It all started by a chance meeting when he asked her to dance. On March 31, 1976 (leap year) she “asked a very wonderful man” to marry her. His response was “you are so impatient, YES”. They were married on August 7, 1976, at Crystal Lake Park Church in Milwaukie, OR. The five became a family; Kathi, her children whom Wayne later adopted, and his daughter Shannon. Kathi was so very proud of her three “beautiful and smart children”. Kathi and Wayne celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this year.

Since she was a young girl, she loved getting lost in a good book. She spent countless hours over the years escaping to other places through the pages of her books, recent favorite worlds were Hogwarts and the imaginary places where dragons fly. Books were her happy place. She also had a love for frogs, wizards, dragons, and Sammy, her huge stuffed sheepdog. She was proud of her collection of over 100 bells from all over the world, many from friends and family.

Kathi and Wayne enjoyed 47 years together filled with love and many adventures, big and small, but all special. Some of her favorite trips included the many road trips in the Flying Machine (their van). She wasn’t a fan of the driving part, but she enjoyed the destinations. Family reunions in Cape Cod, Napa Valley and most recently Long Beach. Sunny vacations to Florida for Darci‘s graduation from Navy Boot Camp, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas with the memorable pirate cruise. Disneyland with her daughter-in-law and family to see her granddaughter march with the school band. Many trips to visit her daughter and grandchildren in Colorado and Wyoming. Countless trips to the beach enjoying seafood and a cozy condo. Her travel bucket-list was left unfulfilled as she hoped to someday travel to Ireland, Hawaii and Fiji. She urged us all to go see the places while we are able. She only regretted the trips she didn’t make.

Kathi graduated from Western business college in 1976. At age 55 she went back to school. In 2004, she earned her associate degree in Medical Assisting. Before she could put her new skills to work, she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005. She first hit 5 years cancer free in August of 2010. She celebrated by partaking in several cancer walks. At her first walk she made it one time around the track, she was so proud. She continued to battle recurring bouts of cancer with an unyielding vengeance. "It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit." -J.R.R. Tolkien.

Kathi’s strength and courage was a force to be reckoned with. She recently jokingly said that she could make a cat jealous. Her ability to fight and overcome so many health obstacles was inspiring.
Because of her strength she beat the odds and was happily present to welcome her great grandchildren to the world. She was “Granma Froggy” to 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Her family meant the world to her. A year ago, she wrote, “As I think back on my many years, I realize my children and my grandchildren and great grandchildren are some very wonderful people to know and love. I am so very proud to call you all my family.” This is her legacy, her family.

Kathi Flint is survived by a large legacy of loved ones. Her husband, Wayne; children, Darci, Bill and Shannon; their spouses, Jay, Tania and Susan; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her brother, Doug. Kathi was predeceased by her parents, Garth and Margaret; sisters, Judy and Sheri, and her brother, Steve.

At Kathi’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, the next time you enjoy a steak and lobster dinner or a nice glass of wine, please raise a glass to Kathi, a strong and loving woman who lived a good life and who won’t be forgotten.

In remembrance of Kathi’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Providence Cancer Center in her memory. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Providence Portland Hospital for their care and compassion.