Kathleen Therese Fabos

Kathleen Desmarteau Fabos, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025,vat home, holding hands with her loving husband in Keizer, Oregon. She was born on February 8, 1951, in Woodinville, Washington, to Edward and Dorothy Desmarteau.

Kathleen grew up in a large and loving family alongside her siblings David, Dorothy, John, Barbara, Karen, MaryAnne, and Edward. She attended St. Joseph's Grade School, Sacred Heart Academy, and later earned her degree from Western Oregon University, setting the foundation for her lifelong dedication to education, children, faith, and service.

Kathleen married the love of her life, Gregory Fabos, on December 24, 1991, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. She was a devoted mother to Jacinda and Joseph Forster, and a caring stepmother to Kristin, Joy, and Jamie Fabos. Her joys were her nine grandchildren and one great-grandson, all of whom brought immense pride to her life.

For 30 years, Kathleen served as an elementary school teacher, most recently at Chapman Hill School, where she touched countless young lives with her patience, compassion, and unwavering positivity. Even after retirement, she continued giving back as a substitute teacher and as a faithful parish song leader, and eucharistic minister, sharing both her voice and her generous spirit with the community.

Kathleen's passions were as vibrant as her personality. She loved music, opera, concerts, karaoke, and singing, any opportunity to lift her beautiful voice and the spirits of those around her. She cherished time spent with family and friends, and she especially loved being outdoors, where she found joy in golf, biking, hiking, skiing, time on the beach and cheering on Oregon Duck football. Her dream was simple and beautiful: to live happily alongside her mutual best friend and soulmate husband in Oregon and Florida.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Dorothy Desmarteau, and her sister Barbara. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, her loving heart, her positive attitude, and the kindness she shared with everyone she met.

A Solemn Funeral Mass will be celebrated on December 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Reception to follow at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Parish Center, in Salem, Oregon. Inurnment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Hilltop Cemetery in Independence, Oregon.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Feed the Children, or Catholic Charities; causes close to Kathleen's loving heart.