Kathy Halsan
Kathy Halsan died on Oct. 17, 2025, from an aggressive form of cancer.
Born on June 9, 1952, as Kathryn L. Vangen in Ballard, Washington, she was the daughter of C. Douglas “Doug” Vangen and Betty Ann Vangen (Peshek). Kathy took pride in her family of Czech and Norwegian immigrants, whose legacy of good humor and hardscrabble work was coupled with a dedication to solidarity and trade unionism that coursed through her. Born with a physical disability, the significant adversity she overcame became a cornerstone of her teaching career.
Kathy earned a master’s degree in special education from Western Washington University and was a special education preschool teacher in Centralia for more than 40 years. In her work, she built an innovative and inclusive learning environment for young children that included welcoming teenage students from Centralia High School into her vibrant preschool room to gain a unique perspective as student aides. Her work impacted countless lives and cemented her legacy as “Teacher Kathy” to the many families she served.
Upon retirement, Kathy remained active in the community. She was a member of the Lewis County Democratic Party, attending local events and participating in campaigns. She worked with Lewis County’s AAUW branch to help raise tens of thousands of dollars for girls’ scholarships. Kathy also supported AAUW and Centralia College’s Expanding Your Horizons campaign for young girls pursuing STEAM careers.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 50 years, former state Sen. Stuart A. Halsan, and her two children, Nate and Kirsten, who were at her side as she died. She is also survived by her children’s spouses, Brian and Shannon, and three grandchildren, Logan, Oliver and Kathryn, whom she adored with all her heart. Her extended surviving family includes her sister, Janet, along with nieces, nephews and more.
Kathy will be remembered as a proud grandmother, loving wife, supportive mother, dedicated teacher, fierce community advocate, avid reader and lifelong learner.
While Kathy’s death was sudden and deeply sad, her family takes comfort in knowing she was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Kathy requested no service. Any gifts or donations can be directed to the Lewis County AAUW, P.O. Box 244, Chehalis, WA 98532.
Karen B. McInturff
December 6, 1938 – October 12, 2025
On October 12, 2025 Karen B. McInturff nee Duus beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away at the age of 86 years. Karen was born on December 6, 1938 in Vancouver, British Columbia. After graduation from Chilliwack High school in 1957, Karen earned her RN degree through Vancouver General Hospital in 1960. After serving a short time serving as a nurse at Vancouver General Hospital, she met Robert McInturff of Walla Walla, WA. They married on November 24, 1960 and were married 62 years. They raised two sons, David and Robert Jr.
Karen worked for years as a registered nurse at Centralia Medical Center in the office of Dr. Cornelia Van Prooyen. But once her two boys graduated from college and left home, she turned her attention to her real love: Art. She enrolled at Evergreen College and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.
Her art included works in stain glass, paintings in oil and acrylic and paper art. Her favorite medium by far was felt art. In this medium she created a surprisingly diverse set of art objects that included decorative wall hangings, expressive dolls, music boxes and even felt portraits. Her work was somewhat fanciful and she self-described as a “sublimely ridiculous” fiber artist.
Karen was known for her love of working in groups to achieve various artistic goals. She was a longtime member and participant in Centralia’s Art Trails programs through which she displayed her own art and introduced art to others, especially children. She was the featured resident artist at the Mineral Arts and Residencies (MARS) program in the summer 2016 where she worked and shared with a diverse group of artists and writers. She continued to create and share her art right up to the very end of her life.
Karen is survived by her two sons, David (Phyllis Izant) and Robert (Maria), and three grandchildren: Sophia, Wallace and Stuart. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be directed to the Centralia Salvation Army. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Mount Cross Lutheran Church in University Place, WA. Karen will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery next to her husband Robert.
Ine-Marie van Dam
November 25, 1947 – October 6, 2025
We are sorry to announce that branch member Ine-Marie van Dam passed away last week, a few days after a major stroke. Ine joined our branch during the pandemic and immediately jumped in to helping sort books between March and September 2020 when we delayed our book sale and had the big space where we could keep accepting books while we waited to hold the sale. Her mother was a Holocaust survivor and Ine presented a program on Zoom about her for us in February 2021. Our program was not recorded but a similar program that she presented elsewhere can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Mp5UNtZAg
Ine could speak at least 4 languages and traveled the world during her career as a translator, providing real-time translations in international meetings. She was always cheerful and brightened up everyone’s day with her big smile and the pink or green streaks in her light hair. She will be missed.
