Obituary of Kristy Joan Preheim

Kristy Joan Preheim of Tacoma, Washington, died on January 24, 2021, at age 60, from metastatic lung cancer. Born on March 8, 1960 in Reno, Nevada, she was the daughter of Jess and Evaline Preheim. Kristy grew up in Reedley, California, worked in the family business, Preheim’s Jewelry, and graduated from California State University Stanislaus with a BA in Music. After moving to Tacoma in 1989, Kristy worked as an orchestra and general music teacher in the Tacoma Public Schools and Puyallup School District. While teaching, Kristy earned a MA in Music Education and worked toward a PhD in Music Education from the University of Washington.

Kristy was a talented violinist who played in the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra for 30 years, the Tacoma Opera, and the Cascade String Quartet. Kristy found it rewarding to devote time to disaster relief efforts through the Mennonite Disaster Service. She was active at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tacoma where she enjoyed baking communion bread for the congregation and performing with the Green Goose Marimba Project.

Kristy loved traveling, especially to Europe, and never tired of visiting art museums and galleries. She prepared family dinners from scratch most evenings and was an avid gardener. The times she spent at the family’s beach cottage, Ella’s Escape at Seabrook, were some of her most cherished memories.

Kristy had a beautiful laugh and a smile that lit up the room when she entered. She was an inspiration to family, friends, and others as she lived life to the fullest during her three-year battle with cancer. Her family would like to thank Dr. Frank Senecal, Catherine Maskell, ARNP, and the staff at Northwest Medical Specialties for their love, care, and compassion.

Kristy was preceded in death by her father, Jess Preheim; and brother, Scott Preheim. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Jeff Boers; daughter, Ella Boers; and mother, Evaline Preheim.

To protect the health of Kristy’s friends and family during the pandemic, there will not be a service. Memorial donations may be made to the LUNGevity Foundation or Symphony Tacoma.