With deep sadness we announce the passing of Kathleen Harridge (Baker). Kath passed in the early morning hours of April 1, 2024, with her children by her side.

Kath was a loving, caring and kind wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She always had a smile on her face and an infectious laugh. She loved to sing and dance, and her vivacious personality made her so much fun to be around.

Kath was born on July 15, 1931 to Ernest and Rose Ella Baker in Hayes, England, and grew up in Southall, England. She was the fourth child of five and the only girl (brothers Leslie, Gordon, Fred and Raymond all preceded her in death).

Kath and her family lived in Southall during World War II and experienced war time hardships, including bombings, and having to seek refuge in air raid shelters. Although those were challenging times, Kath and her family persevered. Years later, the family would speak of those times with stories of fun and love.

Kath met Bob Harridge at a party when she was 17. They married five years later and would spend the next 70-plus years together until her death.

Kath and Bob had a wonderful life together. They loved dancing, and competed in dancing contests. Bob joined the Canadian Air Force, and they were stationed in France for several years. They enjoyed their life there and made lifelong friends.

They were then transferred to Canada where their daughter Melody born. Not long after, they moved back to England, where their son David was born, and then later their son Stephen (who died shortly after birth).

It was then they decided a change was needed and the family immigrated to America, first to Glendale, California, and then to Santa Barbara.

Kath worked at International Transducers in Goleta for many years as an electronic assembler. After she retired, she took care of her grandchildren, bowled, and travelled. She also rescued and took care of many dogs and cats, and any animal that crossed her path.

Kath and Bob were members of the Pacific Club, where they met a large group of friends from the UK.  They enjoyed many dances and parties with the group and remained friends with them to this day.

Kath also joined a bowling league and went on trips to Vegas with her bowling friends.

Kath is survived by her loving husband Bob; daughter Melody Robertson (Robert); son David Harridge (Eydie); four grandchildren Patrick Robertson, Missy Robertson (Doug Caesar), Sabrina Harridge, Mallow Harridge; and two great-grandchildren Grayson and Kira Caesar. Kath is also survived by her sisters-in-law Elsie Harridge and Joyce Baker; cousins Carol Wilder and Eric Hiscock; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to thank Kath’s caregivers over the last few years who have taken care of her, especially Maria, who always called her Kat Baby!

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 25.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Melody or David at Robertson.5@verizon.net or dharridge@gmail.com or phone 805-895-4077.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite animal rescue site in her name is appreciated.