Kristen passed away following surgery on October 20, 2012 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and now is in a place where we believe there is no pain and suffering. Kristen was born in Rockford, Illinois on December 17, 1968. She spent her childhood in Illinois, and in the Redmond/Renton/Bellevue areas. Although Kristen struggled with the challenges of a lifelong illness, she made the best of the hand dealt her. She loved reading, especially English and Irish history, and spending time with her dogs.
Kristen is the daughter of Dick and Kathy Sieber of Sedro-Woolley and she lived with them the past few years since she was unable to care for herself. She was undergoing kidney dialysis at Skagit Valley Kidney Center and her family would like to thank all the people at the Center for their excellent care of Kristen. We also want to thank Mr. Larry Moss, her Nephrologist, and the staff at the Kidney Dialysis Training Unit in Bellingham for their care and concern.
Kristen was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of three and over the years suffered the effects of that disease. She had numerous surgeries and more hospitalizations than we can count. In October 1998 she had a kidney/pancreas transplant and was free of diabetes since that time. Her transplanted kidney failed a few years ago and she had been treated with kidney dialysis.
Left to treasure her memory are her parents; sister Kelly and her husband Brent Snow; her nieces Hannah, Libby and Rachel Snow, four aunts and many cousins; her beloved Golden Retrievers, Lexi and Maxwell. Kristen was preceded in death by her four grandparents, three uncles and several friends.
There will be no memorial at her request. Remembrances in her name may be made to your local Humane Society.
Kristen, I know we were not very close as cousins could be, but you were thought of frequently. I talked about you to my sons Ricky and Jamie. I prayed for you and your family often. I hope you have found peace and tranquility finally after all the ups and downs you had. I am so glad your mom and dad were able to care for you so that you were able to stay home as much as possible. Please guide the medical teams to find a cure for this awful disease soon. Love you. Sue, Rick, and Jamie
To the Family & Friends who remembers Kristen best, thank you for being part of what made up this giving, gifted person and friend to so many.
We can each touch so many, and Kristen did, with skill, intelligence, kindness and love. All who crossed paths with her are richer for what she shared and you all are held dearly in thoughts. Her gifts will continue, like the light of a candle in the night, shining, guiding, inspiring and giving warmth to many, where ever such a gleam is seen or remembered.
My condolences. GregRobin
Kristen,
I am so sorry I had not heard of your passing until May 28, 2013. I am very grateful that I was able to get those pictures of your cross-stich work to you when I did. I will miss you. I was so proud of the efforts you
put forth to become one of our Courtiers. I knew how difficult some of the trials were for you. But you did it and never once complained. If your parents would like to have the chair covers back , I would gladly send them on. I will be 75 in September and my children will not know what to do with them when I pass on. I would hate to see them lost to your family. I have already had one heart attack and so do not know how long I have left.
Always your friend,
Arianne (mka Ruth Janus)
Kristen,
I think about you often. I remember the last time that I saw you at your Dad’s birthday party. Lois, You, and I have a great time. I wear the bracelet that you gave me almost everyday, except times when I am working in the yard and fear that I would damage it.
You never knew what an inspiration you were to me. After I would hear about your latest struggle or surgery, I would think about how much braver and stonger you were than me. When I would wake up with aches and pains and think about all of the work ahead of me, I would think about how much you went through without complaining. It would humble me and I would quit feeling sorry for myself.
You and I had much in common, including our love of animals. I would often look at you at the doggie social club and realize that you were having just am much fun as me. We were single woman struggling in harsh world, but used the happiness of the dogs for strength and release from lives pain.
I am one of those people who believe that we are here on earth on assignment that we have chosen. We learn and our spirit grows stronger every time we come back. You chose and hard assignment, but you touched many of us. I am sure that you know this know.
One of the blessings that you were given in this life is your wonderful parents. Everyone should be so lucky. How I envied you
Thank you Kristen….you how I feel.
Carmen