Lasting Memories
Kathleen Prior
Nov. 12, 1956-June 14, 2012
Palo Alto, California
Kathleen Prior (born Kathleen Wineman) of Palo Alto, wife of Christopher Prior, beloved mother of Matthew, Mark, Andrew, and Christine, treasured friend of many, and devoted teacher of countless preschoolers, died at home on June 14, 2012. She was 55.
She fought a long and tenacious battle with cancer. Kathleen defied all odds, living courageously and determined to see her two youngest children graduate from high school in early June. She exemplified maternal love, embodied kindness, and bore her battle with patience and unimaginable strength.
Kathleen was born on Nov. 12, 1956, in Harvey, Illinois. She subsequently moved to Menlo Park and attended local schools including Woodside High School. Kathleen graduated from Stanford University in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in History and Honors in Humanities. She earned her MBA degree at Cornell University in 1984. She then worked for several years as a financial analyst for two Aerospace companies before stopping to raise her young family.
She returned to work the past eight years as a teacher at Parents Nursery School in Palo Alto where she loved being around young children and was devoted to her students. She was an avid reader, competitive swimmer and strong backpacker. She enjoyed many family vacations to Hawaii and Carmel and was a long-time member of Foothills Tennis and Swimming club.
Kathleen leaves behind her husband of 30 years, Christopher, her four children, her father Paul Wineman of Palo Alto, brothers Bruce Wineman of New York City and Scott Wineman of Mountain View, Uncles John Abel of Malibu and Neil Wineman of Sisters, Oregon, and many cousins. Private services will be held.
July 22, 2012
We want the Prior family to know how sorry we are for your loss. Kathleen was a great neighbor. I came across a 3x5 card she made many years ago with emergency contact information. It reminded me that we were each others' school emergency contacts. We never needed to use it but it was reassuring knowing Kathleen was there. She was so responsible and she loved her children so much and always worked hard for the best for them. I miss the informal chats we used to have by the mailboxes - we'd see each other and update on how things were going at school and how our families were doing. She will be greatly missed. She will live on in the memories and deeds of you all - Matthew, Mark, Christine and Andrew & Chris; she left a legacy of strong work ethic and a wonderful family. My blessings are with you.