Kara Marie Huletz Thornes

Kara Marie Huletz Thornes born May 12, 1970 passed peacefully Friday December 27th after a short but brave battle with cancer. Her family was by her side throughout her fight never thinking she would not prevail as she had done so eight years prior. 

Kara was Seattle born and bred. She knew everyone and everyone knew her…”hey, aren't you the little Huletz?”. A question she got her whole life, which she wore as a badge of honor. First and foremost, Kara was an actress. Getting her start at the age of 6, she put on performances wherever and whenever she could, which, to her kindergarten teacher's delight (and for a much needed break), turned into a daily part of the curriculum. 

From her early start in theatre Kara matriculated through her education at Villa Academy, Holy Names Academy, Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, and ultimately graduated Cum Laude from the University of Washington's School of Drama with a history minor. She was one of twelve students accepted into the UW's drama program out of over a thousand applicants, an accomplishment she was very proud of. Kara continued to pursue her passion till the very end. Her application to get her MFA was in the works - she never quit.

Kara's other passion, and her most important, was her son JJ. She was his protector and he was hers. Not long after JJ started his education Kara met a guy named Fred and his three children. Together this blended family has laughed, cried, and persevered together for over twenty years and has been there for each other throughout this loving, happy, sad, and crazy time. Kara was a classically trained actress, as she would remind everyone, so there was never ever a dull moment. That you could count on.

The most important people in Kara's life were that of her kids JJ, Emily, Max, Henry, Vivi, Gloria, and her husband Fred as well as her late mother Karen King, her dad Norman Huletz Sr. and her brothers Norm Jr, Eddy, and her sister Kat Ramquist. All of whom she loved very much.

In the end, Kara's extended family included the amazing nurses, techs, doctors, palliative care team, and "Vincent" at UW Medical who treated her with dignity and respect. Even minutes after she had passed the attending doctor asked for her permission to check her vitals. The compassion and care was overwhelming. 

No memorial is planned but a day of celebration will be scheduled for friends and family in the near future. 

Donations: A big smile for someone who needs one, that's what Kara would do and want.