Born in London, England, and of Irish descent, Kathleen Burke Peabody Hale (1884-1958) was educated at the University of Oxford and in Paris. Outliving three American husbands, Burke devoted her life to humanitarian causes during war and peace, in Europe and in Santa Barbara.

In 1920, Burke married Frederick Forrest Peabody, the wealthy clothing manufacturer of popular Arrow brand shirts and collars. Together the Peabody's involved themselves in reconstructon efforts following the 1925 Santa Barbara Earthquake and gave generously to build Peabody Stadium for the High School. After Peabody's death in 1927, and her second husband's death on their honeymoon, Burke married artist Girard Van Barkaloo Hale in 1930.

Designed by Francis Townsend Underhill, the Hales resided at Solana, one of Montecito's great estates, situated on Eucalyptus Hill with views of both the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Among her many civic activities, Kathleen Burke was involved in the Junior League, Peabody School, and initiated a Santa Barbara Wolf Cubs program, the predecessor to Cub Scouts.

Contributing to efforts at home during World War II, the Hale's were instrumental in the reconstruction of their adoped French village of Maillé. The Hales also resided for a time on the French Riviera in the 1950s when Girard Hale was appointed U.S. consul general to Monaco. Kathleen Burke Hale passed away in 1958, just one month after Girard Hale's death following their return from a trip to Europe.