Contributions to the tribute of Katherine G. Nogatch

L

Louise Dana pledged to donate to Special Olympics Lancaster

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

In memory of my beloved sister, Katherine, I want to donate to the Special Olympics of Lancaster.

A

Anne Phillips posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Because of the travel restrictions, I am going to tie together the thoughts shared by my brothers and my own about Mom. Now a mother myself of nearly 26 years, I have learned that mom was just trying to do her best as a parent. George shares his earliest memory of being in the apartment in Astoria, just before moving to West Hempstead. He was sitting atop Dad’s shoulders and being carried from room to room. Missing a door threshold, his head was bumped. “Kat, do something” yells John. Mom pressed a spoon onto George’s head, which he claims hurt much more than the bump on his head. She was just trying to do her best. She also was just trying her best by being a den mother for George’s cub scout troop, something he didn’t even want to be in. Overall, George admits mom did the best she could, and he will miss her. As John, George and I were in the college years, Mom went to work for the school district. Her great people skills at talking to anyone about anything, something she and her brother Jimmy were excellent at doing, supplied Mom with amazing health coverage even after her retirement. Katherine was extremely dedicated to her parents and heritage. Her ability to make koulourakia, the Greek butter cookie, her baklava and especially the spanakopita were treats enjoyed at any family gathering. Senia’s passion for Greek food and delicacies was influenced by grandma’s cooking. She was very glad to have her grandmother attend her graduations from high school, college and basic training with the Marine Corps. John shared: I had always thought that Katherine was completely fluent in Greek. She had been active in the Hempstead, NY church choir and often spoke Greek on the telephone, which is hard to do in a foreign language. But, by the time we went to Greece in 2008, she was relying on John to translate! When Dad died in 2007, it was obvious that Mom couldn’t stay in the home of 40 years alone. Katherine had tons of stuff carted away, repaired the furnace and plumbing, sold the house, & downsized into a condo. John was impressed with how willing she was to discard things, and how simply she furnished the condo; a case of "You can't have everything. Where would you put it?" Mom’s years at Thrush drive were some of her happiest. Chloe enjoyed spending weekend sleepovers with Grandma, creating a very special bond. There were a few minor adjustments for Mom, people were always sure to say “You’re not from around here, are you?” The tip off was when she would say something like “I would like some coffee” or “may I have another glass of water”. That NY accent never left. She in turn had to get used to some Dutchy things. My mom had an amazing ability to remember names, relations and family events much like her brother Jimmy did. She is well remembered by all for her thoughtfulness in always sending a card for birthdays or anniversaries. She was passionate about her nieces and nephews and their accomplishments. Katherine valued her friendships, and I know she will be missed by her Thrush Drive neighbors and her good friend Gerri. These two ladies would enjoy shopping trips, lunches and sharing about their grandchildren. I don’t know who was the prouder grandma! My Mom will be remembered for how much she loved her family and friends. I am glad I was able to care for her in the final days. I know she is at peace now.

G

George Nogatch pledged to donate to Special Olympics Lancaster

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

In memory of Katherine Nogatch.

G

George Nogatch planted a tree in memory of Katherine Nogatch

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

H

Holly Lecakes Jones posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Dear Cousin Anne, I talked with Aunt Kat just a couple of times this new year as well as the week before she passed. She sounded fantastic! I am baffled that she has passed because she was so sharp mentally. She asked after my Uncle Jack ( my godmother’s husband) who had to be moving into his daughter’s care and she was worried about how he was. We had had this conversation months ago and she remembered to ask after him. How sweet of her to remember. She and your dad used to socialize with Uncle Chris and Aunt Doreen, my Godmother Domenica and Uncle Jack back in NYC. We had such a lovely talk. I was not as faithful caller as all my other cousins: Elaine, Roxann, Debbie, and Michelle have been. I regret this because even though my Aunt was ill the last few years, she always thought to send a card or a beautiful Glasswork Apple (for the teacher) or angel for Christmas. In Roscoe during the 1960’s and 1970’s she would always be cooking with Grandma and Aunt Lou and as a shy, chunk-a-monk kiddo, the kitchen was my happy place. I would spend hours with Grandma Lecakes making blueberry and apple pies, jellies and chicken & rice. Perfecting Lamb stew with Aunt Louise. ( Use One can of V-8 juice) I would study how Aunt Katherine would make glazed carrots and spanikopita- all of which I now teach my own children how to make. My spanikopita will never rival Aunt Kat’s, though. With these women, I wasn’t in the way, I was part of the fabric of the family, I didn’t need to be witty, I could just be loved for being- and I was. But, spending time with Aunt Katherine, Aunt Louise, and Grandma was not really about the food, though delicious; it was about the quiet time, quiet laughter, sharing of knowledge, and time spent in the company of women who were kind and loving. Each of the fifteen cousins were shown that unconditional love. We were so darn lucky. These tall Amazons could have been imposing; however, they were not. Though they were indeed super tall and super strong, their Amazon strength was in the quiet acts of love that they showed to all the fifteen cousins, six siblings and six spouses. It wasn’t a loud demonstrative crazy love, like my Italian side, but it was quiet, I-made-this-for-you, I-cooked-this-for-you, I knitted-this-for-you, I-baked-for you. It was a calm, quiet, steadfast love, and I felt it deeply nonetheless. Quiet. Strong. I have a sweet story. Like I said, I chatted with Aunt Katherine and she was a bit sad at first and then she perked up and we were off and chatting up a storm! We ended on I love you. A week after we chatted I was going to celebrate my birthday. She knew this- Lecakeses never forever dates and Aunt Kat tells me to have fun. Now, keep in mind I am expecting an Aunt Lou card. Aunt Lou always remembers to send a card because Cousin Michael’s bday is the June 12th and mine is the 13th. Aunt Kat’s is June 21st Aunt Doreen’s is the 22nd. So, the week Aunt Kat starts declining I am marching to the mailbox to collect my bday cards. I open, what I am sure, is Aunt Lou’s handwriting and I look at the bottom of the card and it says, “Holly, have a Happy Birthday.” Love, Aunt Kat” I was incredulous that she remembered! She was in pain and so ill, yet she thought to do this for me?! She had to remember to get a card, write it, get it to the mailbox??! Having taken care of my own mom during this time I know how painful even the smallest tasks are at the end of life. I sobbed myself silly. Each birthday I will remember her with love as I open each card, each act of quiet, steadfast, Amazon Love. Holly Lecakes-Jones Proud 5’9” Amazon Granddaughter Amazon Niece Daughter of Christos George Lecakes

E

Eric B Phillips posted a condolence

Monday, June 22, 2020

Eulogy to my Mother in Law (lovingly known in my family as Grandma) Grandma Nogatch and I forged a bond over the years. It was a bond of confident trust with a distance respecting our individuality and independence. I appreciated John (her late husband) and Gma’s commitment to family. I was first struck by it when demonstrated to me in their midnight drive to be with us when our daughter Senia was born. Many holidays were spent in the local motel to be with us but not interfere. I always marveled at his crack of dawn departures to beat the I95 and Long Island traffic. We had moments when she and John would call me from the local copy and computer center. With the call, John would announce “Eric, I’m at Kinko’s” I knew the next hour would be shot with Gma on the phone as he wrangled with the computer, “Kat ask him…” this or that. Memorable, frustrating, and real life shared. She was fiercely independent yet when Grandpa (John) Nogatch passed she and I met eyes and wit to know it was going to be alright with a little help. There is no preparation for life’s uncertainties, so we forged through that one, getting West Hempstead ready for sale and sold. Looking for a new home in Manheim, she knew she wanted to be near family, but again was guarded for retaining independence. Looking at various homes, old, new… when we toured Thrush with a one floor living space, 1 mile from her granddaughters, close, but not too close,,, we again met eyes and nodded, this is it. She enjoyed living atop Mallard Ponds overlooking some prime Lancaster County farmland and made some terrific friends. Bonds were forged with next door neighbors Trudi and Fred. Fantastic… She also loved the art of Stiegel Glassworks and our friends became her friends. In the final analysis, these last 10 years I believe to have been a charm for Grandma enjoying the more quiet pace of Manheim, with full independence, yet without isolation. Events were shared with us, holidays, theatre, beach, her travels abroad… all good. So, as time had to play, her heart valves were trouble, the mitral started to leak and fatigue was difficult. Several sessions in Hospital resulted in not much but to prolong the inevitable in the face of her 'do not resuscitate order'. 24/7 care was advised. Keeping her in her home paramount, Chloe moved in April and as roomies shared some special times… needs changed… After Anne pulled a 48 hour watch, it became evident further change was afoot and Hospice care was configured in our home. The nice ending to the story is that she remained with family to the end. After a few days and continued decline, her priest came and shared communion and prayers. I discerned them as final prayers after Gma indicated she preferred me to leave. I did hang at the door. Pain continued through the night but the next morning she was emotionally separate, such that it seemed waiting only for the body to catch up with the decision to pass on. It was Thursday, in our vortex of change I had a moment to update our facebook audience asking for prayers of peace in passing for grandma. I barely had completed the post when Anne came to announce “I think she’s gone”. Gone from here, for now. I love her and will miss her – for now. Eric Phillips, Husband to Anne, Gma's 3rd child & only daughter.

D

Deb Eischen posted a condolence

Monday, June 22, 2020

One of the greatest blessings of my life was to have Katherine Nogatch as my godmother. I could not have chosen a more caring or loving person to have been in that role; it was truly my good fortune. In addition to Katherine being my godmother, she was also my aunt (my mother’s sister). I can’t remember my life without my Aunt Katherine being a part of so many fond memories. The best way to describe my Aunt Katherine would be to use the words kind, loving, caring, emotional, empathetic, thoughtful, and intelligent. She had an incredible memory, and somehow managed to send birthday cards to every family member, as well as cards for special occasions that could have included everything from graduations, weddings, anniversaries, holidays…I was always in awe of her thoughtfulness (and her memory)! There are some people in this world who are amazing caregivers, and Aunt K epitomized this quality throughout her life. It seemed that she always opened her heart and her home to family members who needed care, whether it be her husband’s father, his uncle, or her own parents. She did not stop at caring for family members of the humankind; she was an equal opportunity caregiver. I recall her caring for her daughter’s pet skunk (Stinky), her son’s racoon (Rocky), and my grandmother’s dog, Smokey. In addition, Kay Nogatch (in her professional life) worked as a secretary in the guidance counselors’ office of a public school. She helped many young students to navigate the challenging and often intimidating academic journey. The guidance counselors were always impressed with her professionalism, reliability, and positive interactions with the students and the representatives from the various colleges. She was an empathetic and exquisite listener; this is a quality that is so rare to find in people. Kay had the unique ability to make people feel that they truly mattered. I often enjoyed listening to my mother, Louise, and Aunt K as they interacted and had conversations that only sisters could facilitate. There would be times when I would be listening from another room, and their voices would get to a crescendo with some interesting nugget of family gossip, only to then fall to an irritating whisper in which the most captivating information was intended for their ears only. I always thought Aunt K had a regal “air” about her in both her posture and persona. She had shared with me that when she graduated high school she had wanted to go to college. Her father didn’t feel the inclination to pay for a daughter to go to college, as was the general feeling among many fathers of that era. However, he did agree to pay for Aunt K to go to modeling school, and she must have paid attention. Being a relatively tall woman, Aunt K knew exactly how to pose for the camera with just the right tilt of her head, facial expressions, and positioning of her feet. When I asked Aunt K if she had done any modeling, she shared that she modeled bathrobes for Bloomingdales. I have no doubt that she helped to increase revenue for Bloomie’s bathrobes; she made wearing a robe look elegant! It is never easy to accept the fact that a beloved family member will no longer be a phone call away. It will be difficult to not see a birthday card from my Aunt K this September, as I have received one for 64-years of my life. When my mother and I reminisce about relatives and events, we will not be able to call Aunt K to verify the names, places, and details; she always seemed to remember so much of what we had forgotten or perhaps never knew. When I look at my “soon-to-be” 90-year-old mother, I can’t help but see the resemblance to her sister. I see in my mother’s eyes a sadness surrounding the loss of the unique connection that only sisters can experience. For the many years that Aunt K made it clear to all that we mattered to her, I will end this tribute by sharing that Katherine Nogatch mattered to all whose lives she touched; she will most definitely never be forgotten. Love you Nouna, your goddaughter, Debbie

A

Anne F. Nogatch planted a tree in memory of Katherine Nogatch

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Sent with love and remembrance. A very special lady. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

K

The family of Katherine G. Nogatch uploaded a photo

Friday, June 19, 2020

717.664.2270

info@spencefuneralservices.com

Katherine G. Nogatch

1929 - 2020

Plant a tree in memory of Katherine

Contact

Explore

Have a Question?

William P. Spence, Supervisor