Katherine Czernikow Hearn

Katherine Hearn, age 76, of Tigard, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on April 6th, 2025 with her beloved husband of 35 years, Dennis Hearn by her side. She passed following complications from Parkinson's Disease.

Katherine was born in Munich, Germany on May 10th, 1948, to the late Petre and Katharina Czernikow. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was just three years old, settling in Buffalo, New York, where she spent her childhood. She attended the University of Buffalo from 1966 to 1970.

After college, Katherine moved to Miami, Florida, where she began working for Southern Bell Telephone Company. Her love of travel took her across the country, including a two-year adventure working in Yosemite National Park. In 1980, she made Portland, Oregon, her home. She spent ten years at Tektronix before following her passion and opening her own florist shop in Southwest Portland.

Katherine and Dennis shared a deep love for travel. After a Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon in 1990, they were hooked, taking twelve more international cruises together and visiting destinations across Europe, Central America, Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia.

Katherine had a passionate and compassionate spirit. She was a skydiver, kayaker, florist and a lifelong rescuer of animals. She cared deeply about the environment, as well as human and animal rights. Her heart was especially devoted to the well-being of cats and dogs, and she volunteered with Animal Aid for many years.

Katherine will be remembered for her adventurous soul, generous heart and boundless love for all living creatures. Her presence brought light and warmth to everyone who knew her.

Rest in peace, Katherine. You are deeply missed and will be forever remembered.