Kathleen “Kay” Pagaoga

Kathleen “Kay” Pagoaga, aged 91, of Boise, peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2017. Born on October 23, 1925, in Weiser, Idaho to Oren and Rosemary Wilson, Kay was the second eldest among four sisters and one brother, whom she cherished deeply. She took great pride in her Weiser roots and her half-Italian heritage, with some of her fondest memories revolving around her upbringing on the O. Wilson Ranch and her schooling at the Hale School on the Weiser Flat.

Kay graduated from Weiser High School in 1943 and soon found herself drawn to the medical field amidst the backdrop of World War II. Initially working as a “Rosie the Riveter” in the shipyards of Portland, Oregon, she later realized her calling lay in nursing. She moved to Boise and enrolled in St. Alphonsus Nursing School, graduating with top marks after three years of study. Nursing became her passion, and she dedicated herself to the profession.

In post-war Boise, Kay’s life took a romantic turn when she met Richard Pagoaga, a handsome Japanese POW survivor. Their courtship blossomed, leading to their marriage at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Weiser, Idaho. Together, they shared 61 years of marriage until Richard’s passing in 2015. Blessed with two children, Jill and Rich Jr., Kay was a devoted mother who prioritized caring for her family, especially her daughter Jill, who battled a terminal brain tumor.

Despite leaving her nursing career temporarily to care for Jill, Kay later returned to the profession, obtaining recertification and practicing at Mercy Hospital in Nampa and the Boise State Student Health Center. After retiring from nursing in 1985, Kay embraced an active retirement, enjoying pursuits like playing bridge, reading, and cooking. She was known for her sociable nature, sharp wit, and keen interest in current events.

Kay and Richard shared a love for travel, embarking on adventures across the West, Europe, Mexico, and Hawaii. They particularly cherished their family trips with their granddaughter Abby. Kay’s vivacious spirit and warm personality endeared her to many, leaving a lasting impact on those she met.

Kay was preceded in death by her dear father and mother, her brother Harley, sister Dorothy Peterson, father-in-law Ignacio Pagoaga, mother-in-law Maria Yribar Abadia (fondly known as Amuma), sister-in-law Vicky Peterson, and brothers-in-law Albert and Henry Pagoaga. Also awaiting her in the beyond is her beloved husband Richard and their darling daughter Jill.