Elisabeth Stehnike Katz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died Wednesday, October 19 at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Henry J. Katz, army officer and mathematics professor.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1924, Elisabeth spent part of her childhood in Germany during the turbulent years 1933-47. Just after World War II she met Henry, who was part of the American occupational force. He proposed and they were married in West Point, New York, as soon as she was able to get the necessary travel documents.
Elisabeth was an avid reader and musician, playing recorder and viola da gamba with the Feathered Fipples early music ensemble. At various times in her life, she spoke four different languages with fluency. Elisabeth, ever kind-hearted, was especially fond of little children and animals.
Survivors include son William Katz (wife Joan) of Easton, MD; daughters Marie Hammond (husband Sam) and Katherine Register (husband Charles) of Durham; niece Adriana Stehnike of Buenos Aires, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of Pavilion 1 South and residents of Croasdaile Village who provided loving care, to staff and volunteers of Hospice, and to members of Epworth United Methodist Church Care Group who visited faithfully.
A memorial service will be held at Croasdaile Village Chapel at 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 23. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elisabeth's memory to the Croasdaile Village Benevolent Fund, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Durham NC, 27705; the Triangle Aphasia Project, Unlimited, 27 N. Salem Street, Suite A Apex, NC 27502; or to the Carter Center, One Copenhill Plaza, Atlanta Georgia, 30307.
