Kathryn Stevenson Wright died peacefully in her sleep on October 27, 2014 of natural causes. She had been a resident of Laguna Woods since 2005, when she moved with her husband, Lewie, after their Laguna Beach home was demolished in the Bluebird Canyon slide.

Kay was born in Long Beach, CA, on May 26, 1927. She graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School before attending University of Southern California where she joined the Pi Beta PhiSorority. An aspiring actress (before her children came on the scene), she was a member of the Long Beach Community Players – and had staring roles in numerous productions. In 2007 she re-revisited her love of theatre playing the roll of Hannah, in the Laguna Moulton Playhouse production of “LittleWomen.”

In 1956, Kay moved to Laguna Beach with her then husband, Crofton Cooper, and three children – Catharine (Cathie),Gly and Claudia. She was active in the P.T.A. – both at El Morro Elementary and at Laguna Beach High School, rising to President in both locations. She was a Brownie Scout Leader, a Girl Scout Leader, and the chapter President of the Laguna Beach Girl Scouts Organization. She was also President of the Laguna Beach Community Chest.

Lewis Wright came into Kay’s life in 1968 and she always said, she’d finally found, “Mr. Right.” The two of them shared a love of golf, Bridge, and travel, and had many adventures, chasing small white balls around big grassy fields with close friends and new acquaintances.

Their travels took them to Tahiti, Australia, the Far East, the Galapagos Islands, Africa, the Panama Canal, and throughout Europe. Photo albums packed with images of their explorations and expanded friendships lined their bookshelves.

Kay was a member of the Newport Coast Country Club for over 30 years. She joined the Women’s Golf Club in Laguna Woods after her move and was excited to make wonderful and close friends in a short period of time. While she complained vociferously about the failings of her game in recent months, she continued to drive, chip and putt to the end of her life, and had expanded her Bridge commitments.

Kay will be remembered for her cheerful spirit, her always-optimistic attitude, her compassion for other human beings, her love of her family and friends, and her never-ending smile. She loved cats, dogs, wild birds, and frogs, and enjoyed planting flowers in her small garden.

“Don’t worry. Everything will work out just fine,” was one of her favorite sayings.

She is survived by her two daughters: Catharine Cooper and Claudia Cooper, her three stepchildren: Lewis Wright, Janie Yaugher, and Bobby Wright, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of the Life of Kathryn Wright will be held on November 22 in Laguna Beach. Donations in her name can be made to one of her two favorite charities: The Orange County Food Bank and The Laguna Beach Friendship Shelter.
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