Kathryn Ann Soares, affectionately known as “Punky,” passed away August 23rd, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. Punky was born March 18, 1933 to Edward and Lucille Atmore of Santa Paula, where Punky grew up on the family ranch. She attended Santa Paula High and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1954.
Punky married Robert Soares of Santa Paula in 1955 in Heidelberg, Germany, where they lived for two years during his military service and where they established their love for travel. They started their family in Berkeley, Calif., moved to Ventura, and then settled in Ojai in 1963, where they made their home together and raised their six children. Punky was dedicated to her family, serving as a room parent, troop leader, always saying “yes” to a request for help.
She created numerous memorable family adventures, including summers and holidays at the Atmore family beach house, along with trips to France, Italy, Canada and Mexico, and camping in the Sierras and in Baja.
She was also dedicated to her parish community, volunteering and supporting St. Thomas Aquinas church and its schools.
Punky was a lifetime tennis player, supporting youth and community tennis, including the Ojai Tennis Tournament. She was a creative person, making her own designs with clothes, quilting, knitting, needlepoint, cross stitch, and pottery. She was also a star with recipes, known for her famous “Punky’s Salsa” and pomegranate jelly. She started a company– Punky’s Provence–with daughter Nancy, importing and selling French table linens. A lifelong learner, she enjoyed taking classes, such as French and German, interior design, and she loved reading historical fiction.
Punky’s legacy of kindness and love lives on through her husband of 70 years, Bob, brother Teddy, five children–Karla, Nancy, Matthew, Betsy, Lanie and their spouses, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Punky is preceded in death by her daughter Trina and her brother Allan.
Punky will be celebrated with a mass and reception Saturday, September 27 at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ojai, CA; all are welcome. In honor of Punky’s favorite color, we invite you to wear a splash of pink. In lieu of flowers or to honor Punky’s life, please donate to your favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.