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Catherine Katy Sanchez González Katy was born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1919. At an early age, her family moved to San Antonio, Texas. Because of the depression, Katy was unable to graduate from High School, but she later worked to obtain her GED High School Diploma. She eventually met and married Frank, the love of her life, and bore two sons, Frank Jr. and Robert. Tragically, Frank Sr. fell ill and remained so for many years; they both struggled hard to make ends meet, but Katy never stopped praying for a daughter. Her prayers were answered when Mary Catherine Cathy was born. Katy spent many years working on the cardboard box assembly line of the Gaylord Container Corporation. After her children moved away, she and Frank traveled when they could, to visit them in California and Hawaii. They both looked forward to the day when they would stop working and enjoy their time together but, sadly, Frank Sr. died only a few months after Katy retired. Katy filled the loss in her life with family, friends, and activities she cherished – she swam regularly, learned to line dance, embroider and play guitar, performing with her group at various city events, including the summer concert series at the Japanese Sunken Gardens. She continued to travel, joining her children to visit California's beautiful Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe, the Grand Canyon, western Europe, and scenic Washington State. Katy suffered a stroke in 2003 and, after recovery, took up residence in the Morningside Manor Assisted Living community. She was much loved by all that knew her – a woman of great, quiet, strength and grace; she was both innocent and wise, never judgmental, treating all with kindness, acceptance, and a gentle, caring touch. She loved her home at Morningside, and passed away there on the afternoon of March 24, at the age of 92; her last few days were spent in the loving company of many family and friends. Katy is survived by her children and their spouses – Cathy and Bob Biesen of Marysville, Washington; Robert and Pat González of Davis, California; Frank and Jan González of Seattle, Washington – by her granddaughter and spouse, Patrice and Greg VanDam and her great-grandsons Colby and Aidan – by her brothers and their wives Frank and Olga Sanchez, Rudy and Carmen Sanchez, and Eddie and Susie Sanchez, all of San Antonio, Texas – and by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. A Rosary and Mass for Katy will be celebrated at St. Paul Catholic Church at 10 am on Tuesday, March 27. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Employees Fund of Morningside Assisted Living. Mom was enchanted by the beauty of trees and loved this poem. Trees By Joyce Kilmer I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the sweet earth's flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. Mom loved this song, and lived her life based on the values it expresses. The Best Things In Life Are Free By Ray Henderson The moon belongs to everyone The best things in life are free The stars belong to everyone They gleam there for you and me The flowers in spring The robins that sing The sunbeams that shine They're yours, they're mine And love can come to everyone The best things in life are free

Tributes

Catherine Katy Sanchez Gonzalez

June 3, 1919 - March 24, 2012