Kathleen Patricia Arndt

Kathleen Patricia (O’Brien) Arndt passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 2, 2026, with her immediate family at her side.

Kathy was a woman defined by her love for adventure, her devotion to family, and her generous spirit. Born in San Francisco, Kathy carried a lifelong curiosity about the world that shaped both her personal life and her career. That lifelong passion began as early as high school, when she visited Japan in an exchange program. She would go on to graduate from Chaminade University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Kathy and her husband Ray, met in Seaside, Oregon, and later married on August 7, 1982, in Aberdeen, Washington. After welcoming their daughter, Brooke, and moving back to the Oregon Coast, they opened Cabbage Rose Market in Sunset Beach. In typical fashion, she did not just open a business; rather, she fostered building of a community. The Market turned into the heart of the neighborhood, hosting fishing and cribbage tournaments, Easter egg hunts, and Christmas caroling every year. In 2000, Kathy opened her own travel agency, Blue Sky Travel and Cruise. As a travel agent, she delighted in helping others plan meaningful adventures and formed many lasting friendships along the way. Few things made her happier than planning a trip she knew would become a cherished memory.

Kathy also had a dedication to service and helping others. She and Ray continued the St. Vincent de Paul services at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea in Astoria, a legacy begun by her mother, Alice, and her husband, Charles Turina. Her compassion and willingness to give of herself were evident to all who knew her.

Above all, Kathy loved her family. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into nurturing, supporting, and celebrating those she loved. Large family gatherings were especially dear to her, and she took great joy in hosting O’Brien family occasions at her lake home, where Ray and Kathy welcomed everyone with warmth, laughter, and generosity.

Kathy will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her deep devotion to family, her kindness, and her ability to make life richer for everyone around her. She leaves behind a legacy of meaningful journeys, treasured memories, and a reminder to embrace life with curiosity and courage.

Kathleen Patricia Arndt is survived by her husband, Ray Arndt; her daughter, Brooke Kingery; her son-in-law, Andrew Kingery; and her two beloved grandchildren, Camden and Isla. She is also survived by her sisters Teresa Smith (Packy) and Deborah O’Brien-Huhtala (Peter); her brothers Mike O’Brien (Cindy), Pat O’Brien (Brenda), Tim O’Brien (Angie), and John O’Brien; and their children and grandchildren. She is further survived by her Uncle, Patrick Hodges (Lauri), and her Aunt, Deborah Lindgren.

Her warmth, strength, and sense of adventure will continue to live on through them.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Astoria, Oregon, on Saturday, January 24th at 11:00 a.m., where family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and honor Kathleen’s life. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Vincent de Paul food bank.