Kathryn (Kaye) Klein

Kathryn (Kaye) Klein, age 77, passed away in May in Prescott, Arizona, where she resided with her life partner, Steve Henes, formerly of Scottsdale, an Arizona native.

Kaye was born in the midwest, and she enjoyed the small-town childhood of a large and loving family. She moved to Phoenix in her 20s, due to early onset rheumatoid arthritis, and supported the arthritis community through the years by sharing her deep knowledge with others. Despite her many challenges, she was known to always offer a smile and a kindness.

Kaye was the first female Westcor Shopping Center Manager beginning in the early 80s, and she enjoyed an extensive career in Shopping Center Management to include destination centers Paradise Valley Mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square, The Borgota of Scottsdale, and El Pedregal of Carefree. Memorable highlights included the grand opening of PV Mall; the introduction of weekly wine tasting events and farmers markets at The Borgota; and the wildly popular ongoing musical concert series at El Pedregal which offered 50s-60s golden oldies original groups, Broadway show tunes, and a variety of genres.

Kaye also held a lifelong passion and talent for gardening and in retirement showed a gift for watercolor painting. She was prolific with her talents, sharing an abundance of floral, botanic, and artwork gifts, as well as mentoring, with loved ones. She was admired for her high energy and accomplishments as well as for being a generous, caring, and courageous woman. How we miss her!

Any donation to the Arizona Arthritis Foundation or to the Phoenix Rescuse Mission will further honor our beautiful Kaye Klein.