The former Executive Director of the College of the Canyons Foundation, Kathleen Ann Maloney, died at 65 years old on Wednesday, following a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born May 1, 1949, to John L. Maloney and Ann C. Maloney, Kathleen was the first of six children. She grew up in Northridge, Calif., graduating from Louisville High School in 1967.

Kathleen continued her education at Mount Saint Mary's College in Los Angeles. After graduating in 1971, she earned her teaching credential and went on to teach elementary school. From 1977 to 1980, Kathleen worked in the family business, Maloney Stationers.

In 1980 she later relocated to the East Coast, becoming active in the community and volunteering her time to raise funds for several philanthropic organizations in Westport, Conn. In 1983, Kathleen and her family returned to California, settling in the San Fernando Valley where she maintained her commitment to the community and was an active member of the Mount Saint Mary's College Alumnae Board.

Her commitment to the support of education led to a career change, and Kathleen became a development professional, later earning the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) distinction. She worked for six years as the director of annual giving at Mount Saint Mary's College. In 1989, she moved her family to Valencia and accepted a position at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California where she served as the executive director of the College of the Canyons Foundation for 18 years. She was an active community leader with many local SCV organizations including Rotary International and Soroptimist of Santa Clarita.

Kathleen was a proud mother to three children—Kristin (Todd) Hampton of Castaic, Calif.; Jennifer (Tyler) Case of San Diego, Calif.; and Kenny Janeski of North Hollywood, Calif. She enjoyed being a Nana to her grandchildren- Kiara Nichole Hampton and Jeffrey Michael Hampton.

Kathleen is survived by her siblings, Michael (Dena) Maloney, John (Kathy) Maloney, Therese (Ron) Maloney, Dennis (Jeanne, deceased 2003) Maloney, and Marybeth (Todd) Thicke.

Services are scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at the chapel at Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345. A rosary is scheduled for 11 a.m., with the funeral to follow at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kathleen's name to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or 800-272-3900.