From Tom Melville, Former ED of CHSP:
Friends of KJT, with a heavy heart I’m sad to share that my longtime friend and colleague, Katherine Thoeni, passed away peacefully in her sleep this past Monday, Aug 8th. Next month she would have been 64. We met in 1995, became close friends, and worked together for over 20 yrs. Katherine was smart, funny, a true friend, and driven. She cared for others and walked the talk. A fierce advocate for those most vulnerable and forgotten, she poured her heart and soul into helping those with HIV/AIDS, addictions, and the homeless. Helping raise millions of dollars and touching the lives of thousands, she ran the good race until she could run no more. She left Monterey County in the summer 2019, took early retirement, and was living with her dear friend, Alice, outside Sacramento. Though gone too soon, be at peace dear friend, you have earned your rest.
From Barbara Mitchell, ED of Interm Inc.:
I worked with Katherine for many years. She was passionate and outspoken about supporting marginalized people. When Interim faced opposition to building affordable housing in Monterey, Katherine turned out to be a neighbor of the proposed site. She stepped up and supported it, helping to give other perspectives to the neighbors.
From Robin McCrae, ED of Community Human Services:
So sad to hear it. I have missed her a lot the last few years, but I always held out hope that I’d see her again. Gone too soon.
Anna Foglia, CEO of Sun Street Centers:
Katherine was a tireless advocate for people who were homeless during a time when there was less public support, and less government funding, but she continued to speak out, adding her voice to theirs. Katherine has made a permanent and positive impact in our community, and she has been missed sine she left the area.
Roxanne Wilson, Monterey County Homeless Services Director
“Katherine Thoeni is one of the most recognized names in the non-profit sector of Monterey County, having served in executive leadership roles for John XXIII, Central Coast HIV/AIDS Services, Community Homeless Solutions and the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers. She was a force to be reckoned with as a relentless advocate for our most vulnerable neighbors. Her genius and sense of humor will greatly be missed. I am grateful for her mentorship.”