In Memory

Katherine A. Figrouid (Cook)

November 20, 1945 - April 4, 2002

56 Years Old

Cancer



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

08/14/13 02:41 PM #1    

Anita Cacciaroni (Cleveland)

My wonderful friend Kathy and I met in 1953 when I moved into her neighborhood where we lived three houses apart.  We spent many hours together, especially during summer breaks and learned how to dance by watching American Bandstand.  Although somewhat on the quiet side  (as was I, I've been told), we were never at had a loss of things to talk about and do. We were just the typical prepubescent and pubescent 1950s girls experiencing many firsts together.  We'd spend many hours in our bedrooms listening to 45 rpm records.   Her mother was the archetypical 1950s June Cleaver type--she did just about everything from scratch, including making cookies, clothing and  making her own soap. (Or maybe perhaps more like the "LIttle House on the Prairie" type.) 

 

Kathy's first 35 years were much like her mother's--she enjoyed being a wife, homemaker and mom.  She and her family lived in Scotts Valley, where Don, her husband, and she custom built their home and Don became mayor of Scott's Valley and Kathy became the "First Lady" of that city.  I remember having many dinners at their home with fresh veggies from their garden and an outstanding meal.  (A pre-Alice Water's California culinary expert?)   She and Don had two beautiful daughters and several grandchldren.  Kathy was a very good writer and wrote and illustrated a book for her grandchildren.

 

At age 35, she chose to take a different path in her life.  No longer wanting the identity of being a stay-at-home mom and wife, she completely closed the door to that lifestyle.  As a symbol of her lifestyle change, she sold most of her household items, including the dining table where so many fabulous meals were enjoyed.  (She said she didn't want to keep it due it's association with her former lifestyle.)  She said that although she'd always known what she wanted to do with her life up until the age of 35, after that point she couldn't visualize her life. She wasn't one to handle a nine-to-five job (didn't want to wake up by an alarm clock and live a regimented lifestyle) and became a message therapist to support herself and her daughters until they married. (I can vouch for her that she was an EXCELLENT MESSAGE THERAPIST and gave me the first message I ever had.)

 

Kathy was very kind-hearted person to people and animals.  Even when she barely had enough food for herself, she'd find the means to care for animals. I never heard her speak an unkind word about anyone and she almost always had a cheery disposition.  I can still hear her hearty laugh.

 

I wish I could say Kathy's life improved after she was on her own, but sadly she had many challenges in her life  (I think mostly due to the cards she was dealt), until her death from colon cancer in 2002.   I was honored to be able to spend much time with her during her final days when we'd reminiscence about the "good old days," which were certainly good since I was proud to call her my friend for many years.  

 

 


08/17/13 11:48 AM #2    

Guy Gardner

I remember Kathy as being friendly, cute & nice to everyone.

 Her neighboor opended up a movie house in his garage & she worked there selluing tickets & at the candu counter.

 She was very sweet.

Guy Gardner


go to top 
  Post Comment