Katherine Strong Obituary

Katherine "Kay" Francis Strong, 81, a longtime resident of Woodland Park, Colorado, passed away October 10, 2013.

She was surrounded by her family. We lost a beautiful soul and true hero: a loving mother, doting and protective Grandmother, Grammy, "GG", great-grandmother, loving auntie, caring friend, civic volunteer and die-hard fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies. All her friends and family will be forever honored that she was with us so long, passing on to us her appreciation of life, strength, strong will, and love of family. We have tremendous gratitude for this wonderful person who was our Mother.

Kay was born in Cambridge, MA, on June 5, 1932, to Crescencio Domingo and Carrie Elizabeth Fernando. She attended schools in South Braintree, MA, loved the water particularly swimming in the ocean, and became a Red Cross certified lifeguard. In the 1940s, as one of Esther Williams' biggest fans, Kay trained and competed in aquatic dance. Later, she continued her education while raising her seven children on her own, earning an Associate in Science Degree, Division of Occupational Studies, with a major in Social Services.

She worked in this field in Teller and El Paso counties and taught in a Montessori school. A talented seamstress, she made many of her children's and grandchildren's uniforms and dresses, stretching every penny to the advantage of her family. On holidays we all looked forward to the handmade crafts that she poured her soul into.

Kay moved her family to Woodland Park in 1965, where she lived the remainder of her life. She was active in local city events, including the maintenance and development of nearby Memorial Park, fondly referred to as the pond. Many children enjoyed coming to her home for fishing poles in the summer; and ice skates, coats, mittens and a hot drink in the winter. Today, hundreds of citizens and visitors enjoy 4th of July in the park, thanks to her dedication and efforts on behalf of the annual event.

Kay lived with severe rheumatoid arthritis, which began in her 30's. In spite of its effects on her hands and feet, she participated with her children in the activities they loved. At football games while her sons were in high school it wasn't unusual to find Kay running up and down the field, debating with the referee about calls against her sons and the home team. At baseball and volleyball games it was always clear when Kay was in the crowd; her cheer was the loudest in the stands. She was equally supportive of her daughters in their roles as cheerleaders and prom and homecoming queens. Later in their lives when they became mothers themselves, Kay was ever joyous in the births of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For Kay, every celebration was best done as a family-from birthdays and baptisms, to graduations, weddings and holidays.

Kay is survived by her children: Richard Emery (wife, Mary), Susan Elizabeth (husband, Milton), Kathi Evelyn (husband, Michael), Gary Joseph (wife, Corinne), Maria Ronetta (husband, Michael), Dorissa Ann (husband, William) and Ronald Lester. She was blessed with ten grandchildren: Greg, Alena, Eric, Alexa, Krysta, Camree, Evan, Sean, Staci and Kelsey. Six great-grandchildren Kyle, Montel, Nalani, Ja'el, Emri, and soon-to-be-born baby Maliakal. Her nephew, Reggie (wife, Margaret), Regina (husband, Ralph), Sandra (husband, Anthony). And her many friends, acquaintances and extended family.

Katherine was predeceased by her parents, brother Cres Fernando, sister Anna Tibbetts, brother-in-law Reggie Tibbetts, great-grandchild Joy Maliakal and her beloved toy poodle, Murphi.

We will forever be grateful to our brother Ronnie who was Mom's primary caregiver. His warmth and dedication enabled her to live happily in her own home throughout her final years.

The funeral service for Katherine will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2013, at the ClayHouse Alliance Church, 5620 Dublin Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918. Reception will follow at the church. Family burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs at an earlier time.

The family would appreciate that donations (tax deductible) be made in her honor to: Youth With A Mission "YWAM", c/o Janas Family, 7735 Chancellor Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.

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