The world lost an incomparable voice on August 17, 2025, when Kathy Hepinstall Parks—poet, Los Angeles Times bestselling novelist, internationally award-winning advertising copywriter, irreverent humorist, and lover of cats and elderly people—passed away. Kathy’s life was a kaleidoscope of words, wit, laughter, and unconventional brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on all who encountered her work and presence.
Kathy had a rare gift: she could take the weightiest, most complex human emotions and distill them into sentences that felt effortless, luminous, and alive. Readers often found themselves thinking, “Ah, that’s so Kathy…damn, I wish I could write like that.” Whether through her poetry, novels, or clever advertising campaigns, she had the ability to make the profound feel approachable, and the mundane feel extraordinary. Her humor—sometimes off-color, always sharply intelligent—brought joy to those lucky enough to know her personally or encounter her words.
Her accomplishments in literature and advertising were remarkable. She was a trailblazer in her field, earning international acclaim for her ingenuity, creativity, and fearless originality. Kathy’s novels captivated readers with their wit, insight, and the subtle yet striking humanity she imbued into every character. In advertising, she wielded words like a sculptor wields clay, crafting campaigns that not only sold products but also resonated with audiences worldwide. Yet, despite her success, Kathy remained grounded, never losing the humor, humility, or warmth that made her such a beloved friend, mentor, and colleague.
Those who knew Kathy personally remember her as much for her idiosyncrasies as for her brilliance. She was a funky dancer who refused to be self-conscious, a teller of jokes that could shock and delight in equal measure, a lover of cats who steadfastly ignored her, and a champion of the elderly who often tolerated her antics with bemused patience. Her life was lived fully, without apology, and with a generosity of spirit that touched countless lives.
In recent years, Kathy faced challenges that tested even her extraordinary resilience. She battled the physical and emotional difficulties associated with withdrawing from SSRIs, particularly Prozac, which caused her significant pain. Yet, she faced these struggles with courage, determination, and a profound dignity, never losing her humor or her love for life, even in its most difficult moments. Those who witnessed her courage were inspired not just by her literary gifts, but by her human strength and perseverance.
Kathy’s legacy is far more than her writing; it is the joy she brought, the laughter she sparked, and the connections she fostered throughout her life. Friends and colleagues remember her for the warmth she extended freely, the insights she shared generously, and the unflinching authenticity she lived by. She was a friend, a confidante, a mentor, and an artist whose influence will ripple through literature, advertising, and the hearts of everyone she touched.
Her memory will live on in the pages she filled with words, in the jokes she shared, in the dances she embraced, and in the laughter she inspired. Kathy Hepinstall Parks showed us all the power of language, the importance of levity, and the courage of living authentically, even in the face of life’s fiercest challenges.
Though she has left this world, Kathy’s wit, wisdom, and heart will remain, echoing in the countless lives she touched and the enduring brilliance of her work. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and eternally celebrated.
