Obituary: Katherine M. (Grapsas) Hogan - Class of 1960

MADISON - Katherine M. Hogan, age 67, passed away on Tuesday June 29, 2010.

Kathy was born in Madison on Oct. 1, 1942, to Niki and Constantine Grapsas. A graduate from Central High School and Edgewood College, she taught elementary school primarily in the Madison area for more than 30 years. Kathy took 10 years off from her teaching career to raise her young children. As a Sunday school teacher, and choir, church board and Philoptochos participant, Kathy was a lifelong active member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

Rooted in the Greek community, Kathy also embraced virtually everyone she met with her bright, warm smile. She enjoyed meeting friends for coffee or lunch and hosting holiday gathering. She was open to anyone who needed a friend and a great advisor and confidant. Always a giving person, Kathy was generous in her support of many charitable organizations. Kathy was an avid traveler, intent on learning about the world in which she lived.

She is survived by her daughter, Eleana; her son, Conn; and her brother, Nick (Cathy) Grapsas. She is further survived by her niece, Nika (Scott) Spevacek; nephew, Costa (Vanessa) Grapsas; and by many cousins and friends. She will also be greatly missed by her little dog, Smokey.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2010, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., with Trisagion Service at 6:30 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 2, 2010, at 10 a.m. at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison. Father Michael Vanderhoef will officiate.

The family deeply thanks the UW Cancer Center and Hospice for their exceptional care, support and guidance. Memorials may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service; 3610 Speedway Road; (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 1, 2010 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)

Note: Katherine Grapsas Hogan's class year is based on information in the 1960 Tychoberahn yearbook where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.