Kathleen Marie Aboularage, 79, passed away on February 22, 2025 surrounded by her husband and family after surviving for 9 years after an Alzheimer's diagnosis. She was born to the late Joseph and Billie Foraker on November 10, 1945 in Fresno, CA. Kathy was a lifelong Fresnan. She attended St. Therese School and San Joaquin Memorial.

In the early 1960's Kathy and Richard Puertas met in the neighborhood, as highschoolers, where they lived with their families. Richard soon became her husband. They raised a family of four daughters while also building a business, Puertas Automotive. Kathy wore many, many hats.  She worked alongside Richard at the business. At other times she was a carhop at A&W, a server at Carriage House, team Mom and taxi for her daughters various sports and activities, cheerleader and even played co-ed City League softball with her two eldest daughters. At 39 years old she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She said she would not leave her two youngest children without a mother and won her battle with cancer! She stayed cancer free the rest of her life. Kathy and Richard were devoted parents, but eventually they later divorced.

Kathy then met Tony Aboularage at the Sacred Heart Church Valentines dance.  Kathy was serving drinks at the bar when a corkscrew was needed to open a bottle of wine. Tony, who was in line, popped up with a swiss army knife to save the day!  Tony said, "I'll trade you the corkscrew for a dance."  Kathy then said to Tony, "You men are all the same!" It was Kathy's first outing after feeling good enough from fighting off breast cancer. The rest is history,

Kathy and Tony were married for 34 years. Her life included many camping trips and activities with their two young children Katalina and Jeff which included cub scouts, boy scouts, and dance.  Kathy and Tony participated in church and community functions with Sacred Heart Church throughout their marriage. She loved going to open houses, fairs, and drives to visit friends. Kathy's hobbies included sewing, gardening, taking care of her pets, photography and scrapbooking with Tony.  But family was her number one priority.

Soon grandchildren started arriving. Kathy traveled to North Carolina and New Zealand (with Aunt Pat & Grand Ma Billie) to see her granddaughters Emily and Kaitlin Ronan and Washington to see Sabrina and Olivia. She was an integral part in raising her Fresno granddaughters in the early years where they enjoyed watching Disney movies in her Ford wagon and getting treated to Ice cream at Thrifty afterschool. Kathy enjoyed her girls and loved being with all of them. She always had a soft smile when seeing them and they always felt loved when around her.

During this time Kathy worked at Applebee's which would be her last place of employment. She was their rockstar. Friends were always so excited that they were being served by the girls' grandma. Many people would ask for Kathy to be their server. Kathy's friendly demeanor, infectious smile, love for people and socializing skills would always shine through.

Sadly in 2016, Kathy was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. We watched and went through all the stages of happiness, sadness, tears, regrets, caregivers, care facilities, ups, downs, good times and bad. We slowly lost the woman with the infectious smile but are comforted that she is now free from any pain and Alzheimer's.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Tony. Daughters Kina Fontes (Rodney), Isabel Ronan (Late husband Kevin), Kate Puertas, Katalina Puertas (James), Son Jeff Aboularage (Christina)

Grandchildren Emily Puertas Ronan, Kaitlin Puertas Ronan, Valentina Fontes, Gabriella Fontes, Audra Fontes, Sabrina Zabawa, Olivia Zabawa and Stella Aboularage.

Sisters Nancy Dyer, Pat Chor, JJ Margolin. Brother Ed Foraker. Predeceased by brothers Joseph Foraker and Michael Foraker.

Predeceased by parents Billee and Joseph Foraker.

We would like to thank Dr. Dzung Trinh, for his wonderful medical care, Jasmine Oganyan owner Five Star Assisted Living for providing a comfortable safe home for Kathy when she could no longer live in her own home, Gilbert and MaryAnn Castillo, also Ann and John and other caregivers at Five Star for the stellar and loving care they gave to Kathy our loving wife, mother, sister friend when we could not.

Tony would like to personally thank Bob Junell for his support, guidance and experience through the stages of the Alzheimer's process. This is not an easy experience to manage and having someone who has been through it to guide you is key. He was my personal guiding light through it. Thank You.

Finally, we would like to thank friends and family for showing your love for and support for Kathy and her family.