Kathleen Gavelis Tobkin ’75

Kathleen (Kathy) Gavelis Tobkin ’75 of Orange passed away suddenly at the age of 64 on Aug. 17. A 1971 graduate of San Diego High School, she earned her bachelor of arts degree in economics at UCLA, where she met her future husband, chemistry major Henry Tobkin ‘75. They were married in December 1975.

After college, Tobkin used her economics degree to assist local start-up businesses obtain Small Business Association loans. She went on to earn her teaching credential from California State University Fullerton and later a master of arts in educational technology from Azusa Pacific University. She taught various grades in the Orange Unified School District for over two decades, often serving as a mentor to younger teachers, before retiring in 2009.

A lifetime member of the UCLA Alumni Association, Tobkin was a passionate Bruin and particularly enjoyed cheering on the women’s gymnastics team. She also loved gardening, travel and cruising, reading and spending time with family.

Tobkin is survived by her husband and daughters Jennifer (J.D. ‘02) and Colleen.