Kerensa Nathele Irvin, 25, of Maple Valley, passed away on December 9th at 3:14 am in her mother’s arms. She had a 1½ year battle with stage 3 breast cancer, which become metastatic last November 2018. She was courageous and an example of hope through her strength, smiles and positive attitude.
Kerensa was born on February 28th, 1994 in Seattle where she lived her early formative years in diverse communities. She embraced the rich culture she was exposed to with love and acceptance. Her childhood experiences developed her into a person who respected and accepted diversity. In grade school, she was first to welcome new students or include students left out to participate in activities. She was known for her inclusive and collaborator skills at a young age. As she matured, her compassion, genuine care for others, along with her infectious smile became her beloved traits.
As a youth she was always willing to experience new activities such as karate, dance, racquetball, basketball and baseball. She played soccer for several years before discovering swimming. During her junior and high school years Kerensa loved performing in plays and was fortunate to be in a variety of roles.
She had a love for the water and enjoyed swimming for King Aquatics and Tahoma High School. She had a connection to water that gave her comfort and peace. Her favorite places included Kalaloch, Pacific Beach, Long Beach, Big Island Hawaii and Puerto Rico beaches walking and playing in the surf. She had an unfulfilled dream of visiting the Greek Isles to walk the white sands and swim the turquoise waters.
Kerensa graduated in 2015 from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She had a passion for helping people through difficult situations. She had a special interest and love for adolescents, especially young people experiencing depression. She wanted to prevent teenage suicide and assist those at risk. Her goal was to complete her master’s degree in either psychology or social work.
In late 2015 Kerensa made the journey to Massachusetts where she spent 4 years sharing her love, light, and laughter making everyone's lives infinitely better. During her time in Massachusetts, Kerensa was an active Human Rights advocate, and won the hearts of executives and politicians while helping create diversity and inclusion programs. She passed along her love and knowledge of baking to "her boys" as she danced in the kitchen while making her secret recipe cookies and cakes. She was an unconditional supporter of education and would effortlessly help with schoolwork. The lessons she taught will be cherished, remembered, and passed down.
Kerensa is survived by her parents, Diane Irvin Marines and Osbardo Sosa, stepfather Gonzalo Marines, papa Glenn Irvin and Grandma Victoria Sosa. Her late nana Barbara Irvin adored her along with her “second mom” Laurie Yarbrough who passed in 2017. She will be missed by her brothers Gonzalo Jr., Joaquin and Lorenzo. Uncle Kevin Irvin, Aunt Glenda McQueen and cousin Amber Hoyt. Kerensa leaves behind her loving husband of just over 1 year, Glenn, two adoring stepsons Liam and Finnbarr, nephews Grayson and Oliver, niece Maisie, as well as countless family, friends and coworkers at Granite Telecommunications where she was admired as a valued employee with lists of accolades.
Husband Glenn shares memories of the late Kerensa Irvin on our Podcast Breast Cancer Conversations
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