Katherine Stiplosek~Pirslin
Oct. 10, 1928-Aug. 13, 2026
Portola Valley, California
Submitted by Danielle Pirslin

In Loving Memory of Katherine Stiplosek-Pirslin

1928 – August 2026

Katherine Stiplosek-Pirslin passed away peacefully in early August 2026, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, determination, family, and extraordinary accomplishment.

Katherine is survived by her beloved niece, Danielle Pirslin, and Danielle’s four children; nephew Tomislav Pirslin; and niece Emily Banks, along with many extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.

Katherine was the last remaining member of the founding legacy of Quartz International Inc., a pioneering Silicon Valley semiconductor company founded in the 1970s by Katherine and her dearly beloved brothers, Marko Pirslin and Tony Pirslin. Through their hard work, vision, and perseverance, the family built a successful company during the early years of Silicon Valley’s semiconductor industry. In 1987, they sold the company to Toshiba.

The strength and resilience that carried Katherine and her brothers to success was rooted in an extraordinary childhood journey. Born in 1928 in Croatia, Katherine experienced the hardships of World War II and escaped German educational camps with her brothers, eventually making her way to America. During those difficult years, she learned the craft of glassblowing—one of many experiences that reflected the courage and determination that would define her life.

After the sale of Quartz International in 1987, Katherine wisely invested her resources and created a wonderful, independent life for herself in Portola Valley. She cherished her independence, her family, and the life she had worked so hard to build.

Katherine leaves behind more than a family history and a successful business legacy. She leaves a story of courage, perseverance, entrepreneurship, and the enduring bond between siblings who built a life together against extraordinary odds.

She will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May she rest peacefully in Heaven, reunited with her beloved brothers and watching over the family and friends she cherished.

Her legacy lives on through the family, the lives she touched, and the extraordinary journey she shared with her brothers.

Tags: business, public service