Kathryn Jo Planansky

A spirit to light up a room. Kathryn Jo Planansky, 65, of Boise, Idaho, passed away at her home surrounded by loved ones on March 31, 2024, after a brief journey with pancreatic cancer.
Kathy was born in Boise, Idaho, September 4, 1958, to Leonard and Patricia (Wightman) Planansky. She grew up in Boise’s North End and attended St Mary’s Catholic School until moving to Twin Falls to graduate from Twin Falls High School as part of the class of 1976. Kathy returned to Boise to attend Boise State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.
Kathy met the love of her life, Gina, in 2000 through a shared love for trivia games. They fell in love at Hershey Park over ice cream. Devoted to each other, they married officially in 2017 at their home in Boise, Idaho. Together, they filled their life with the love of family and friends, games, outdoor activities, travel, and camping.
She enjoyed 36 years working at Idaho Power where she was a mentor to others and key in establishing an up-to-date system of records management. Outside of work, Kathy could be found on the golf course and volunteering. She didn’t just play golf, she wanted to invite others to the game and volunteer her time organizing the league and events. She was also active in supporting Idaho history as a docent for the newly renovated Capitol building and at the Idaho State Historical Museum. It was a source of pride to her to share education about Idaho and its history and to serve as a Chief Judge of a precinct for Idaho’s elections.
Family was important to Kathy, and it showed in her ability to keep in touch with her extended family both near and far. She was very close to her sister Jan and devoted to her niece Jenna and great-nephew Jonah.
Kathy will always be remembered for her bright hair and smile, her love of cats, and the ease with which she moved through life. As many have said, she was “good people.”
Kathy leaves behind her wife Gina Persichini, her sister Jan (Ruric) Bendio, her niece Jenna Bendio, great-nephew Jonah Bendio, and countless family and friends who loved her.
A memorial service will be held April 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 1500 East Wright Street, Boise, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, donations to Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude or The First Tee of Idaho are welcomed in her honor.