Katherina H. Kekedy
Katherina “Kathy” H. Kekedy (nee Harmatos) passed away June 30, 2020. She was born March 25, 1934, in Budapest, Hungary, to the late Dezso and Gizella (nee Linka) Harmatos.
Loving wife of Steven for 58 years; dearest mother of Michaela Agnes, Steven (Debby) and Richard; devoted grandmother of Michael, Melissa, Daniel and Allyson; dear sister of Lawrence “Larry” (deceased); niece of Leslie and Theresa Linka (both deceased); and loving sister-in-law and cousin to several in Hungary.
Katherina immigrated to the United States in 1950 with her family after spending five years in a refugee camp in Austria following World War II. She graduated from Torrington High School in Connecticut in 1954.
She spoke Hungarian, German, French and English. She loved to learn and discuss a wide range of topics throughout her life.
The family, along with her future husband, moved to Cleveland, where she worked in her uncle’s store, the International Import House on Buckeye Road in Cleveland, and for Dalton, a well-known cashmere maker.
Steven and Katherina were married in 1962. She was the office manager and bookkeeper in their first company, Rubber Preforming Inc., and later, was president of S.K. Industries.
Katherina served as treasurer, newsletter writer and in various volunteer positions with the Hungarian Cultural Center of Northeastern Ohio, from 1979-2015. She played an important role in establishing a Building Fund to expand and improve its current facilities. She also contributed her special Hungarian pastries to the summer picnics and special events.
Katherina loved gardening, especially working with roses and orchids, as well as embroidery and crocheting. She also delighted in spending time with her family.
In 1995, Kathy’s husband, Steven, and her family built their new home in Auburn Township. Her home was often the destination of holiday celebrations and weekend visits. She always provided an abundance of delicious Hungarian food and fun.
Friends were received at the St. John Funeral Home, Bainbridge Township, on Monday, July 6, 2020, for a visitation that was followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helen Church, Newbury Township, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 11 a.m.
Burial followed at Shadyside Cemetery, Auburn Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Katherina to the Building Fund of the Hungarian Cultural Center of Northeastern Ohio, P.O. Box 23528, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.
