Kathleen Cecelia Sackett

MARCH 21, 1954 to FEBRUARY 18, 2025

"SEEN BETTER DAYS ... DONE BETTER THINGS," ... Bob Dylan

OR NOT?

Anxious to live, Kathy was born early and grew to be her mother's most difficult child

(or so her mom said)

Kathy lived "on the road" with her musician dad Emory and siblings, avoiding elementary school

in favor of the cultural experiences that travel brings.

She joined the family music business in 1969 and prospered until life on the road with a bunch of

guys, paled.

Kathy graduated in 1980 from Spokane Falls Community College with a degree in radio

broadcasting and was one of the first people hired at KPBX Spokane Public Radio by then General

Manager Richard Kunkel. She went on to help start two other public stations: KEWU and KSFC.

Her proudest accomplishments were the capacity to love, her relationship with her family, long

friendships, long public radio career and the many events she helped to present including the

KPBX Kids' Concerts and her work with the arts community here in Spokane. Kathy "retired" from

Spokane Public Radio in February 2023. Her dedication was exemplified in her continued service

to the station after she retired, becoming a station volunteer and community producer. She

combined her love for Spokane Public Radio with her love of music and began producing a

weekly one-hour evening jazz show, "Tuesday Night Jazz" at 10pm, which will still be aired for a

limited time. She relished the opportunity to share her knowledge and love of jazz with the

listeners each week. Kathy's passion for public radio was obvious to anyone who worked with

her. In addition to underwriting Kathy oversaw SPR's events for decades, spearheading events

ranging from the KPBX Kids' Concerts series to our annual Record Sale. Each event she managed

with detail and care. She had high standards and wanted the experience to be positive for

everyone involved. A voracious reader and life-long learner, Kathy stayed on top of news and

current events. She had wide and diverse interests which gave her great vision and perspective

on speakers and performers SPR brought to our region during her tenure. She was responsible

for bringing many NPR reporters and hosts like Anne Garrels, Carl Kasell, Cokie Roberts, Don

Gonyea, Mara Liasson, Bob Edwards, and national shows like "A Prairie Home Companion" to

Spokane. While Kathy took things seriously, she loved to laugh and have a good time too. Acts

like Beau Soliel, Pearl Django, Paula Poundstone, and The Uppity Blues Women delighted

audiences thanks to her vision and hard work.

Kathy was an avid reader. She loved her family, her husbands, extended family of friends, music,

books, film, laughter, news, travel, nature, buying gifts for loved ones, Chanel #5 and working at

Spokane Public Radio. She loved Maui and Washington D.C. Kathy was a long-time contributor

and volunteer for women's rights and many progressive organizations.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 30 years, Steven Sackett of Spokane, WA, brothers JD

(Kerri) Campbell of Bloomington, IN, Daniel (Laura) Edward Donahue of San Angelo, TX,

Benjamin Stephan Dixon, PhD, of Nacogdoches, TX and sister Vicki (Paul) Lynn Campbell Jordan

of Alexandria, VA as well as nieces, Jennifer (Matthew) Jayne Donahue of Salisbury, MD, Amber

Ooseph) Donahue Masters of Kansas City, Missouri, Dani ( Donahue Arrington of Kansas City, MO

Claire and Julia Jordan of Virginia, and nephews Jon (Marah) Campbell of South Bend, IN Chris

Campbell of Lincoln, NE, John Joseph Donahue IV of Baldwin City, KS, and Ben (Staci) Donahue of

Paola, KS. She is survived by her great-aunt Patricia Louise Brownes of Independence, MO,

grandnephews Vance Arrington and Aidan Emory Donahue-Plooster and grandnieces Grace

Arrington and Aurora Krista Campbell as well as so many beloved cousins, in-laws and friends

she cherished in life. Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Emory Clay Campbell II of

Eugene, OR and Maryjane Chattin Campbell of Las Vegas, NV, her oldest sister Joanne (Donald)

Donahue Rider of Brookeville, MD, Emory (Joanne) Clay "Buddy" Campbell III of Las Vegas, and

John Joseph Donahue III of Kansas City, MO.

Please no flowers ... she would prefer you send any money you feel compelled to spend to the

Kathy Sackett Jazz Library Fund at Spokane Public Radio to help the music that she loved, play on.

No service - just a party!

Kathy was cremated in Spokane with arrangements from the Neptune Society ... with a wish for a

big party to be held to celebrate life. There will be a Celebration of Life held in Kathy's honor at

the Bing Crosby Theatre 901 W. Third Ave. in Spokane on March 22, 2025 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Kathy was cherished by her family and respected by her peers. Her generosity, candor, humor

and gracious heart made every friend and family member richer for her love. We will rock on in

her memory.