Kathleen Rosemary Dublinski Landoni

It is with heavy hearts and deep grief that we announce the passing of Kathy Landoni. She is now at the side of the love of her life, Joe, in the great hereafter.

Kathy was born to Florgence “Huncy” Jendorew (Lawrence Andrew) Dublinski and Rosalie Charlotte Wejwer (Vavier). Weighing in just a few ounces shy of three pounds, she spent the first six weeks of her life in an incubator. She says her dedicated doctors were determined to save both mother and child. They were successful on both accounts! Kathy joined her older brother, Larry, at their home in the bustling Austin District of Chicago, Illinois.

She attended Spencer Elementary School and two particular memories stuck with her over the years. Because of her long legs, she was given the nickname “Spider Legs.” Those legs won her a hurdling medal in the All-City track meet, and none other than Jesse Owens presented her with the award. She also recalls that while in Mrs. Gale’s 3rd-grade class, she won the role of Dorothy in the school’s production of Wizard of Oz . She does not recall any medals for that.

She attended Austin High School in Chicago and graduated in 1956. Early employment included working at Perlen’s Dress Shop on North Avenue, as a AAA Tour Counselor, and as a receptionist and house model at Robert Snyder.

Unbeknownst to her, a trip to Walla Walla to visit her brother, Larry, and his young family would alter the course of her life forever. For that is where she glanced, greeted, danced with, and was later courted by the love of her life, Joseph Ambrose Landoni, II. Their correspondences between Walla Walla and Chicago fill a carefully organized box of love letters that chronicle their romance. They eventually married on May 4, 1963, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Walla Walla, surrounded by family and friends.

Told repeatedly she would never have children, Kathy and Joe were blessed with the birth of their first child, Joseph Ambrose Landoni III, in January of 1964. Never say never, and miracles do happen! Son Lawrence Andrew joined the family in October of 1965, and the family was completed with the arrival of Laura Lynn in February of 1969.

Joe was promoted to Manager of Terminal Ice Cold Storage in Connell in 1969, where they built their first home and raised their family. Kathy worked by his side as an office secretary. Connell was a wonderful place to raise their children and live their lives. They became a vital part of the community and there made many lifelong friends.

Education for her kids was an utmost priority for her, and she and Joe scrimped their dollars and saved their coins to send all three of their children through Gonzaga University in Spokane. Kathy remained a Zag fan to the end.

Being of proud Polish descent, Kathy learned to cook from her mother. Menus included traditional Polish meals such as cabbage rolls and kluskis (dumplings). With more experience, she built a voluminous and meticulously organized set of recipes and cookbooks. She was especially known for her Italian Beef Sandwiches, a family favorite. Other interests included reading, crocheting, and gardening. In fact, she crocheted dozens of infant blankets which ended up swaddling newborns at the local maternity ward. She completed the Cryptogram in the newspaper every morning, along with her first cup of coffee. A favorite quote of hers was from the movie Yentl, starring Barbara Streisand: “The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”

Upon Joe’s retirement in 1996, they drew up their stakes from the dusty soils of Connell and sank new ones on a fertile lot in Southeast Walla Walla. They lived in their dream home for over 25 years.

Kathy leaves behind children Joseph III (Pamela) of Sequim, WA, Lawrence of Jacksonville, FL, and Laura Lynn of Richland, WA. She took special pride in her three grandkids, Joseph IV, Katherine, and McKenna. She also leaves behind brother Larry Dublinski of Walla Walla and a multitude of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends far and wide.

The family thanks Dr. Jon Gardner for his friendship and vigilant care over the years, her loving and supportive neighbors, the staff at St. Mary’s Providence Hospital for their assistance at the end, and Herring Funeral Home for facilitating final life arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Kathy’s honor to her special causes: Walla Walla Community Hospice, Walla Walla Senior Center, or Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org) through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.

A celebration of life and a private family internment at Mountain View Cemetery next to the love of her life, Joe, will take place during the warmer days and sunshine of summer.