Ellen (Kitty) Feather, 92, died peacefully Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, with loved ones by her side. She was born Ellen Graham on Aug. 12, 1921, in New York City and grew up in Woodmere, N.Y. She was nicknamed Kitty in early childhood for her habit of curling up anywhere and falling asleep after almost every meal. She was one of six children.
Kitty graduated from Woodmere High School in 1938. After high school, she worked at Jones Beach as a professional synchronized swimmer and high diver. She married the late George H. Feather, of Woodmere in May of 1942. From there, they relocated to the Army base in Seattle, Wash., where George was stationed. After his discharge, they moved to Southern California, where they built their own house in La Puente. They then moved to Fullerton in 1965. Upon his retirement from the aircraft industry, they moved to Paradise, Calif. Kitty moved to Placerville after George's death in 2002 in order to have more family around her. She had been in the loving care of Gold Country Health Center since January 2006.
Kitty loved working with the public in various retail settings and being a Crossing Guard for the City of Fullerton. She was a master at knitting and crocheting. She was also an avid rock hound and a wonderful cook. She and George loved to travel and go camping at every opportunity with their five children in tow. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, George; her son, Robert; and her daughter, Anne. She is survived by her sister, Gail; her son, Art (Kerry); son, John (Pam); and daughter, Nancy. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jodi, Amy, Marty, Steven, Emily, and Christopher; one great-grandchild, Gage; and many nieces and nephews.
Kitty's ashes will be placed with George's in the Veteran's Court at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico, Calif. A celebration of life will be held at Gold Country Health Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 2 p.m., and is open to all.