Kathleen C. Sullivan-Schiffmann
Kathleen C. Sullivan was born in Seattle, WA on December 25, 1951, and passed away in her Newbury Park home on January 1, 2026. With her enchanting eyes and smile, her high spirit and great sense of humor, Kathleen was the life of any gathering. She was known for her wild and bedazzled outfits. ‘Katrinka’ is still ever-present in every pearl, sequin, rhinestone, glitter, faux fur, bangle and animal print. So full of dazzle and life, yet so down to earth! Take a good witch’s brew: tincture of Mae West, splash of Madonna and a good dose of Mother Teresa! But she was sharp as a razor. She had a bright mind for facts, dates, and memories for things some people might wish were forgotten! She was funny as hell.
Kathleen’s work career started as a waitperson at Birnam Wood Golf Club, where she made several life-long friends. After that, she worked at St. Vincent’s with adolescent boys having developmental disabilities. She was totally devoted to those boys and they loved her dearly. She was more than an “Independent Life Skills Teacher”; she was a friend and advocate. She brought out the music, dancing, parties, great food and pure love. Next, she was a job counselor for emotionally challenged teens at the Santa Barbara School District. Kathleen made her students feel special, made them laugh, and had their backs. She ended her career as a Special Ed Assistant with the Las Virgenes Unified School District.
In 1994, Kathleen married Jan Schiffmann, with whom she spent 31 happy years. She loved her dog and cats, and periodic vacations in Europe and Mexico. In the last years of her life, Kathleen was beset with medical issues. Despite the inconveniences these issues caused, she stayed strong and persevered without complaint while repeatedly defying the pessimistic predictions of her doctors.
Kathleen is survived by her husband Jan; her brothers Dan, Terry and John; her sister Colleen; and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Our dear, beloved Kathleen will be sorely missed by all who knew her. We are so grateful to have been part of her life.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Santa Barbara. For more information, please send a text message to 1-805-455-2126.
