Kathleen Joynes
Oct. 18, 1948-June 13, 2023
Palo Alto, CA

Kathleen Joynes passed away peacefully on June 13, 2023 in Palo Alto, after a year-long struggle with pancreatic cancer. Kathleen was born on October 18, 1948 in Raymond, WA to Martha Jean Bleakney & Donald Bleakney (deceased) and relocated to California as a child. After moving around California, she settled in Palo Alto, where she resided for the past 30 years.

Kathleen graduated with a BS in Graphic Communications from California Polytechnic State University, and completed fashion design school at FIDM in San Francisco. Kathleen was a graphic, fashion, and textile designer, as well as a pattern maker. Kathleen worked at Gap, Banana Republic, Levis, Adobe, and Gymboree, and worked freelance. Kathleen taught classes at both California School of Music & Art and FIDM. After retirement, Kathleen followed her passion of creating textile designs. She was a reading tutor at several local elementary schools, volunteered at library book sales, and knit for various charities.

Kathleen loved to dance, read, knit, complete crosswords, and spend time with family. She was a lover of nature: mesmerized by sunsets, enchanted with animals, and continually identified shapes in the clouds. Kathleen frequently noticed coincidences, and loved sharing the magic with others.

Kathleen was a loving wife, daughter, mother, and grandmother. Next month, Kathleen would have celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary. She leaves behind husband Stephen Joynes, mother Jean Adams, children Josh Trainor (married to Linda Trainor) and Madeline Contreras (married to Sal Contreras), grandchildren Sam, Lily, Jackson, and Remy. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Pets in Need, Palo Alto, or KQED in Kathleen’s name.

Tags: arts/media, teacher/educator