Katherine "Kathi" (Kallstrom) Williams Marilley

Katherine "Kathi" (Kallstrom) Williams Marilley passed away on May 31, 2026, in Burlington, Washington. She was born on February 7, 1949, in Mount Vernon, Washington.

A lifelong Skagit County resident, Kathi graduated from Burlington-Edison High School with the Class of 1967. She worked for GTE, later Verizon, for 32 years before retiring at the age of 50. She continued to work at one of her greatest passions, volunteering and serving her community. Kathi devoted countless hours to organizations and causes that enriched the lives of others, leaving a lasting impact throughout Skagit County.

Kathi's love for service was evident in every aspect of her life. She served as a Board Member and President of United Way of Skagit County and was a dedicated member of Soroptimist International of Burlington since 1986. Prior to joining the Burlington club, she was a member of the Mount Vernon Soroptimist Club. She served as President of Soroptimist International of Burlington in 2007–2008 and held numerous leadership positions throughout the years. Kathi was especially devoted to the Bay View Women's Run and Walk, helping plan the event and faithfully volunteering each year, often greeting participants while directing traffic with her trademark warm smile. She also worked tirelessly in the Soroptimist Thrift Shop until its closure in 2013. Kathi welcomed everyone she met, loved sharing conversation over a glass of wine, and had a remarkable gift for making people feel valued and appreciated.

Her commitment to the Burlington community extended to Burlington Parks & Recreation, where she served on the Advisory Board from 1998 to 2003, including a term as Board Chair. She also dedicated more than 20 years as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Burlington Parks & Recreation Foundation, carefully overseeing scholarship funds that helped countless individuals participate in recreation programs.

Kathi was instrumental in establishing the Burlington-Edison Alumni Foundation in 1999 and played a key role in its growth and success. Her dedication helped the organization become recognized nationally, and she proudly represented the foundation in Washington, D.C., when it received the Affiliate of the Year Award from Scholarship America.

While her service to others was extraordinary, Kathi's greatest joys were found in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time in her garden, where she could often be found designing, planting, and tending to flowers nearly every day. She adored her animals and cared for them with boundless affection. She enjoyed driving her Mustang convertible, treasured time with family, and embraced a lifetime of motorhome adventures and RV camping.

On September 21, 2013, Kathi married Kevin P. Marilley, the love of her life. Together they shared a deep bond, creating cherished memories and enjoying the adventures of life side by side.

Kathi was preceded in death by her father, Harold Kallstrom; her mother, Loraine (Ables) Kallstrom; and Bob Williams.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Kevin P. Marilley; her stepdaughter, Erin Williams (Jeff); her brother, Jay Kallstrom; her sister, Karen Sorsdal; her niece, Heather Sorsdal (Curtis); and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and friendship.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 25th, 2026 at 11:30am at Vanderveen Farm 15673 Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 . A maindish will be provided, and guests are welcome to bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Soroptimist International of Burlington PO Box 362, Burlington WA, 98233 or Burlington-Edison Alumni Foundation PO Box 350, Burlington, WA 98233