Kathleen Mildred “Katie” Zugaza, age 74, of Townsend passed away Sunday July 28, 2013 in Townsend.
In writing her own obituary Kathleen quoted, “As the song goes, I’m already gone. But gone with no regrets, I’ve had a great life”.
Katie was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 1, 1939 to Mildred and John Cochran. From an early age, her dream was to have a family of her own. She married Robert Nickell and from that union a daughter Kathy was born in 1956. They were divorced and in 1961 she married Dion Lyon, to this marriage, two sons were born, Dion and Richard. The marriage ended, Life went on and was wonderful. She adored her children.
As a sole provider, she went through difficult time, making time to partake in all school and scouts, sports activities, visits to museums, car shows, and all things children enjoy, and to broaden their interest.
At the age of 22, Katie joined two Unions and was very thankful to make a good living for her family. She always knew she had a calling to care for the sick. This took her to enrolling in nursing school where she excelled from a Certified Nursing Assistant to a secretary in Medical Education at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. There she met her third husband, Dr. Roman Zugaza.
From this union there was a son, John Zugaza and daughter, Mary Zugaza. Roman loved all the children as his own. They enjoyed many good times outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting and traveling.
In 1971, they moved to Montana where she continued her nursing career and caring for her family. As her family grew, she too grew in many ways, having many accomplishments she never dreamed of and a relationship with the Lord, who made me who she was.
In her off time from working, Katie had many interest. She wrote a weekly column for the Silver State Post in Deer Lodge. Her mother was so proud. She wanted to be a journalist. Katie played tennis and won winning her first tournament and coached Little League Baseball.
Katie was the last of her immediate family, but is survived by her three sons, Dion, Richard (Brenda) and John “Micky” (Shannon), daughter Mary; nephew, John Roberts and his wife Brenda; 10 grandchildren, Melissa, Otto, Cody, Katelin, Kylee, Britney, Roman, Garric, Kevin and Travis; 4 great grandchildren, Gunner, Gavin, Makayla and Peyton; 2 great nieces, Ashley and Whitley and 2 great nephews, Brandon and Justin and his wife Marci; 2 great great nieces, Rilei and Aspen and a great great nephew Keaton.
Katie was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy Theresa Snjadr; brother, John “Micky” Cochran, sister, Mary Jo Roberts.
Viewing hours will be from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, Townsend. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 2, 2013 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Townsend. A reception will be held in the social center of the church immediately following the Mass. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Katie’s name are suggested to the Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Service Schedule
Viewing
Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2013
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday August 2, 2013
Holy Cross Catholic Church
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Immediatley following Mass
Friday August 2, 2013
Social Center of Holy Cross Catholic Church
Townsend, Montana
Service Schedule
Viewing
Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2013
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday August 2, 2013
Holy Cross Catholic Church
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Immediatley following Mass
Friday August 2, 2013
Social Center of Holy Cross Catholic Church
Townsend, Montana
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Kelly Stanley (McNurlin) says
Rick, Butch, Micky, and Mary –
I am truly sorry and saddened to hear about Katie. She was such a bright soul, and always made everyone who visited her house feel ‘at home’ and like family. You could tell how proud of you she was when she talked about you all. I will never forget the sparkle in her eyes, her smile, and her laugh. I haven’t been in touch for quite a while, but you all are still my friends. Please know that you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly
Jim Cochran says
I am so sadden to have received the news of Katies passing. Katie and I stayed in touch by phone and emails.. I remember the first time I saw her and her sister my dad and I went to A Cincinnati reds game in old crosley field.That was A great memory I still have to this day. My many thanks to Richard for sending her obit, I will make sure that the rest of her family in ohio hears the news of her passing. Ya’ll are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Cochran
Jeanne McCarthy Kaito says
I am so sorry to hear of Katie’s passing. We worked together at Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati and socialized together. We kept in touch for many years and then lost contact. I was just searching for her and found this article. I know how much she dearly loved all her children and you all have my deepest sympathy. I was also saddened to hear about Kathy’s passing. I remember her as a very dedicated employee at the hospital and a Mother who was devoted to caring for her children.
Prayers to all of you.
Jeanne Kaito
Kathleen Jones says
Katie, I am so sorry you are gone. I so much enjoyed our friendship at Rock Creek Cattle Company and our visits and talks. You were my lifeline while I was there and I still have and use your homemade bread recipe. I just found out about your passing, rest easy wonderful lady.
I am so grateful for the time we spent.
Kathleen Jones