Kathleen “Kathy” McKinnon Martin, an artist and tireless advocate for her sister with disabilities, passed away on January 1, 2026, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She was 86. Born on August 30, 1939, in Amsterdam, New York, Kathy was the first of identical twins born to Jessie and Leslie McKinnon, both Canadian citizens of Scottish descent.
Kathy’s life was profoundly influenced by her twin sister, Arleen, who suffered a severe injury at birth that left her developmentally disabled. This situation instilled in Kathy a strong sense of responsibility that shaped her personal and professional choices. Despite the challenges, she carved out a fulfilling life for herself, attending Elmira College and later transferring to Columbia Presbyterian Nursing School, where she earned her nursing degree.
Kathy’s journey took a significant turn in 1962 when she accepted a nursing position at Duke Medical Center in North Carolina. It was there that she met Dr. Bob Friedel, who introduced her to his friend, medical intern David Martin. The two married in 1964 at the Duke Chapel, embarking on a life that would see them move from Duke to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and finally to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). They settled in Mill Valley, California, in 1969, where they raised two children, David and Gillian.
While Kathy briefly practiced nursing, her true passion lay in the arts. She studied at the Ruskin School of Drawing at Oxford University during a family sabbatical in 1978-1979 and earned her Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1983. Kathy’s artwork, primarily large abstract pieces often centered on circular forms, reflected her vibrant personality and deep emotional life.
Kathy’s commitment to Arleen was unwavering throughout her life. She became Arleen’s conservator and advocate, navigating a complex support system to ensure her sister’s needs were met. Kathy’s advocacy involved extensive coordination of care facilities, communication with legislators, and persistent engagement with legal representatives.
Her fierce dedication extended beyond her sister. Kathy exemplified compassion and strength, teaching her children to stand up for themselves and others. One memorable incident involved her son, then nine years old, knocking her to the ground while she was demonstrating how to fight. In another instance, she insisted her daughter remove her coat to cover a homeless man in San Francisco’s Union Square, showcasing her belief in helping those unable to help themselves.
As Kathy and Arleen aged, the demands of care increased. Kathy met these challenges head-on, ensuring that Arleen was never abandoned or forgotten. Arleen passed away at age 82, having lived a life filled with love and care from her sister.
Kathy’s passing left a significant void. She is survived by her husband, Dr. David W. Martin, Jr., her son David McKinnon Martin (Nicole), and their daughter Sophie, as well as her daughter Gillian Hope Mishalko (Cliff) and their daughters Lilli and Joanna.
In a poignant final act, Kathy will be laid to rest next to Arleen and their parents in upstate New York this spring. The family reflected on her life, stating, “We love you, Mom. You are our Scottish rose.”
Kathy’s legacy as an artist and advocate will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who will hear her story.
