Kathleen Roberta Seaton

Dr. Kathleen Roberta Rodrigues-Seaton (呂珍妮) was a woman of fierce intellect, boundless creativity, and an unwavering refusal to let the world dictate how she should live. She passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy woven with thousands of stitches, vibrant watercolors, and a profound impact on family, friends, and students across the globe.

Born April 11, 1949, in Santa Clara, California, Kathleen was the second of 11 children born to Robert Rodrigues and Frances Ladaun Harding. She grew up in a busy, bustling home, eventually graduating from Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California. Driven by an innate curiosity and a deep love for learning, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University and, later, earned her Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She was immensely proud to be the first and only child in her family to earn an advanced educational degree.

Kathleen possessed a brilliant mind and a pioneering spirit that carried her across oceans. For over two decades, she served as an esteemed Associate Professor at Tunghai University, Feng Chia University, Providence University, and Tainan National University of the Arts in Taiwan. She wasn't just teaching classes; she was challenging her students to think deeper. As the Dean of Western and Women’s Studies, she taught everything from Film and American Literature to complex courses in Cultural Studies—guiding her students through Marxism, feminism, and postcolonial theory. Never one for dry coursework, she frequently turned lectures into vibrant theatrical performances, producing full plays to aid the learning process and bring literature dynamically to life. Her devotion to her students extended well beyond the lecture hall, as she regularly opened her home to them for class activities, gatherings, and mentorship. She also authored multiple children's books and Chinese/English learning texts, bridging languages and cultures. These books remain part of the core university curricula she pioneered and are available in bookstores and online.

For all her degrees and formal titles, Kathleen’s real magic was found in her creative fire and her one-of-a-kind spirit. She truly lived by the philosophy she shared with many: "God gave us all gifts in life; it’s up to you to find it." She was a master maker whose hands were rarely still. Quilting was a deep passion—she would tie-dye or paint directly onto fabric before stitching it into tailored jackets, handmade purses, elaborate costumes, and warm blankets on her quilting frame. Nearby, her watercolor desk was always stacked high with fresh paintings.

She lived life on her own terms and connected with people in her own unforgettable way. Kathleen was a master storyteller with a boisterous, infectious laugh that could fill an entire house. She loved movies, music, and global adventures. At home, some of her kids' fondest memories are of staying up late into the night playing The Legend of Zelda together, or sitting around the kitchen table, smoking a cigarette, listening to her spin wonderful tales of the past, and diving into long, unfiltered, soulful conversations.

In 1997, Kathleen was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis. True to her nature, she faced it with breathtaking courage and stubborn determination. She refused to let the diagnosis define her or slow her down, continuing to create, work, travel, and live fully. A favorite memory capturing her unshakeable spirit took place at a steel drum concert featuring her 18-year-old son, Mitchell. When she was pushed onto the stage to dance, rather than feeling embarrassed or hesitating, she broke into a joyful, uninhibited dance—performing as if nobody was watching and capturing the pure, spontaneous energy she brought to every corner of her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Rodrigues and Frances Ladaun Harding; her sisters, Susie, Toni, and Frankie; her brothers, Rex, Niles, Woodrow, and Robert Jr.; her husband, Richard Seaton; and former husband, John Leith.

Her creative fire, storytelling spirit, and sharp mind live on in her six children: Mikki McInturf, Stephanie McInturf, Galen Leith, Mitchell Leith, Emily Seaton, and Benjamin Seaton; as well as her fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

To honor a woman who broke the mold, her family will not be holding a traditional, somber funeral. Instead, friends and family are invited to an interactive Celebration of Life and "museum exhibit" showcasing Kathleen's massive quilt collection, her watercolors, her books, and her global legacy. Guests are encouraged to walk through her story at their own pace and sit at a recreated "kitchen table" to share stories, laugh, and remember her together.

Celebration of Life Exhibit: Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Portneuf Sangha Meditation Center (424 West Lewis, Pocatello).

Following the exhibit, a small graveside service for close friends and family will be held at Mountain View Cemetery from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.