In loving memory of Kathy Vega — a fiercely loyal friend, devoted mother, and proud grandmother.

Sandy Smith and I are co-supporters of this fund and all proceeds will go directly to her children, and we are asking for your support to help her family during this difficult time. Kathy was our manager at Genentech for over a decade and close to 40 years of friendship. The photo is of us celebrating her 70th birthday this summer at Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe where we made amazing memories together. We believe she is truly in Heaven now.

On December 20th, our beloved Kathy passed away after a courageous year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She fought with every ounce of strength she had, just as she had done throughout her life — through widowhood, through 15 years on a liver transplant list, and through raising three children on her own after losing her husband during his transplant surgery. Her resilience was unmatched, and her love for her family was the center of everything she did.

Kathy leaves behind her beloved children Melissa, Justin, and Matt, and was affectionately known as Grandma Gigi to her precious grandchildren Rozalynn, Riley, and Sienna. She is also leaving behind her beloved Dachshund, Ruby.

Kathy’s passing came far more quickly than expected. She’d endured two surgeries at Stanford this month and was set to be released to a facility to regain her strength so she could spend Christmas with her family and restart chemotherapy. But her body couldn’t fight any longer and she left us sooner than anyone anticipated. Her children are now facing not only the heartbreak of losing their mother, but also the overwhelming responsibility for managing the practical realities that come with a sudden loss.

Unfortunately, the burden of these expenses are falling on her children and we asked their permission to create this fund to support them, who are taking on the immediate financial responsibilities. Your contributions will help them with:

~ Final housing costs and settling of personal belongings

~ Memorial and end-of-life expenses

~ Outstanding medical expenses

Kathy was the kind of person who showed up for everyone — fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and deeply committed to the people she loved. She was a steady presence, a protector, and a source of quiet strength for so many. Now, in the wake of her sudden passing, we hope to show that same love and support to her family. Kathy believed deeply in Jesus and the power of prayer. We ask that you keep her family in your prayers as they navigate this difficult and heartbreaking time.

If you are able, please consider contributing and/or sharing this page. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference for her children as they honor their mother and take care of the expenses, she didn’t have time or resources to prepare for. They did not ask for help, but knowing Kathy she would be so very thankful for the support.

Thank you for helping us lift up Kathy’s family with your prayers and any financial support during this heartbreaking time. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.