Kathleen (Hanson) BIRDSALL WRIGHT

BIRDSALL, WRIGHT, HARDY, HANSON, SUMMER, GENTNER, WOLFE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/29/2012 at 15:04:52

February 6, 1925 --- January 15, 2012

Kathleen Birdsall Wright passed away January 15, 2012 at her home in Tucson. She will be remembered by friends and family for her grace and her strong, determined spirit. Kathleen grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended the University of Iowa, where she pledged Delta Gamma and earned a degree in physical therapy. While in Iowa City, she met and married Ben Birdsall of Clarion, Iowa. Following graduation, they moved to Ben's hometown where he practiced law. In 1961, Kathleen and Ben left the snowy Iowa winters behind and relocated to El Rancho Corona near Sabino Canyon where Kathleen thrived in the sun and warmth of the Arizona desert. Ben joined the law firm of Hall, Jones, Hannah and Trachta, and eventually became a Superior Court and later, an Appellate Court judge. Ben and Kathleen built a home in Skyline Country Club, where they lived for 40 years. After Ben's death in 1987, Kathleen married Gene Wright and this union endured until Gene's passing in 2009. In 1966, Kathleen and her family hosted an AFS student from Bristol, England; an experience which created friendships both locally and abroad. She was actively involved in Symphony Women's Auxiliary, Tucson Museum of Art, The Assistance League and Tucson Garden Club. Kathleen enjoyed golf, bridge and gardening. She loved to travel but she was happiest cooking for and entertaining her many friends at home. Kathleen is survived by her brother, Martin E. Hanson of Bellevue, WA; her daughters, Diane Birdsall (Richard Hardy) of Jackson, WY, and Barbara Birdsall (Ward Summer) of Tucson; and her grandson, Jess Gentner (Chaundra Wolfe) of Bozeman, MT. Family and friends will gather to remember her life on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at 4587 Avenida Ronca. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to the Arthritis Foundation or the Assistance League of Tucson. Arrangements handled by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.