Anita Kay Mitchell

Anita Kay Pacheco

January 14, 1941 - October 13, 2015

Kay Pacheco -  Beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Public Educator

Known for her zest for life, family and career, Anita 'Kay' Pacheco passed away on October 13, 2015 at the age of 74 from cancer.

Kay is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lou Pacheco; by her two devoted daughters and sons-in-law Julie and John Greene and Christie and Joe Dujmovic; by her three beloved grandchildren Johnny Greene, Anya Dujmovic and Josh Dujmovic; by two sisters Mary Mitchell and Nancy Ash; by her in-laws Judy and Dave Murphey and Priscilla Pacheco; and by her 8 nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her heart.

From a young age, Kay was an energetic high performer who strove for excellence. She had a knack for bringing family and friends together for many fun celebrations and educational experiences that created a lifetime of memories for all who surrounded her. 

Throughout her High School years, Kay enjoyed cheerleading and achieved the highest honors as valedictorian at San Lorenzo High School. Her high school friends all remained close throughout her life, taking fun trips together whenever possible. At the age of 17 Kay met the love of her life Lou Pacheco who lovingly supported her continued educational achievements and career aspirations. Kay graduated from San Jose State in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree and continued her education by earning her Master of Science Degree in Counseling from Cal State Hayward in 1973.

During her 37 years as an educator, Kay left an indelible mark of excellence as her legacy. As teacher, counselor and administrator she continues to influence the lives of 53,000 young people (as recognized by both houses of the California Legislature and the United States Congress in Members Resolution 2121). 

Kay began her career as a History Teacher at Horner Junior High School in Fremont, CA. Students from both Horner and Kennedy High School in Fremont will remember her as a gifted and caring counselor during the 1972-1977 school years.

Always seeking new ways to serve, Kay earned an Administrative Service Credential in 1981, moving to the Alameda County Office of Education where she served as Director of Instruction and Curriculum for county teachers. In 1985, Kay became Director of the South Bay Area arm of the California School Leadership Academy, and ended her career as the Associate Superintendent of the Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District.

Even with all the accomplishments and honors, Kay?s most cherished accomplishment was her happy marriage with her husband Lou, raising their two daughters and enjoying her grandchildren. In the last 16 years of her retirement Kay rekindled her love for sewing. With the help of the Sun City Needle Arts Group, she became adept at quilting, crochet, and needlepoint. Her favorite pastime was creating beautiful quilts, costumes, scarves and clothes for her family and grandchildren. 

A celebration of Kay's life and accomplishments will take place on November 14th in Roseville, CA. Please contact a family member if you wish to attend and have not received an email containing the time, date, and location of Kay's memorial.

Donations in Kay?s name to her favorite charities are encouraged:

The Wellness within Cancer Support Center, whose director helped Kay navigate the last months of her life. 
609 Oak Street, Roseville, CA 95670 

Please complete the form at: 
http://wellnesswithin.org/donate-in-honor-of-someone/

KQED, Public television station which enhanced Kay's life with news, information, and entertainment throughout her life.