Kathy Fielding

Kathleen “Kathy” Fielding, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 1, 2022, at MorningStar Senior Living Center. She was under the care of her loving children.

Kathy was born February 25, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James Lloyd Peterson and Valene Henderson Peterson. She spent her early years in Preston, Idaho, and then her family moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Kathy attended Idaho Falls High School and was a proud member of IF’s Class of ‘61 and treasured many very close life-long friendships which were maintained to the very end.

Kathy married Joel Coughlan. They were later divorced. She married Gary Fielding and they were recently divorced.

"Grandma" was a role in which Kathy excelled in.  She took great joy from the time she spent with her grandkids.  She made the family Christmas gatherings a tradition cherished by all.  Kathy went beyond the call of duty every year as she went out of her way with her shopping efforts to ensure each child and then grandchild received something each one understood was specifically hand-selected by her.  The entire family will be blessed with the warmest of Christmas season memories because of Kathy and those traditions.

Kathy’s passion in life was creating beautiful homes which became living examples of her skills and talents as an Interior Designer. Her light shined so brightly as she visualized, planned, then created home spaces that were true “masterpiece” works. She also grew a second passion into a clever complimentary art which enabled her to combine her stained glass creations into her interior designs. This combination left her crafty signature on her home space creations.

Some people choose a life shared with a handful of very close life-long friendships within which the terms of endearment are mutually adored and vigorously maintained.  Kathy was one fortunate enough to live her life with the enhancement of such relationships.  As these special individuals enriched her life into the very last hours, Kathy expressed her deep appreciation for having such special friends.

She enjoyed spending winters in Chandler, Arizona, and shared her stained glass skills by instructing classes in the art while enjoying the Arizona warmth. She made many friends in what she shared there.

Kathy is survived by her loving son, James “Kevin” (Cheradan) Coughlan of Shelley, ID; son, Kendall “Kenny” (Laney) Coughlan of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Shellie (Gary) Wadsworth of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Judy Laratta of CO; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her older brother, Henry Kay Peterson; and younger brother, Dan Lloyd Peterson.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 6th, at Taylor Cemetery.