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In memory of
Katherine "Kathy" Elizabeth Garland
October 21, 1933 - January 15, 2021
Oct 21, 1933 - Jan 15, 2021
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Kathy's obituary
Kathy was the only child of Rev. Anthony P. Landgraf and Hilda Mae Landgraf, born October 21, 1933 in Chicago, IL. She grew up with faith, compassion, a quick smile and, sometimes a mischievous glint in her eye.
Outgoing and kind, Kathy made lasting friends wherever she went, first at Cottey College, then at Wooster. She met her husband-to-be, James W. (Jim) Garland when both were attending the University of Chicago, where Kathy got her master’s in social work. They were married in 1958, and had two children, Caroline and Margaret.
After a year-long sabbatical in England, they settled in Downers Grove, IL. Kathy postponed her career to dedicate herself as a full-time mom. She encouraged her children’s interests and created family traditions and memories. She was also a supportive wife who helped Jim succeed in his career. She was the center of the family.
Looking for ways to share what they had with others, after the girls went to college, Kathy and Jim hosted some individuals – and even a family – at their house. Kathy and Jim later downsized to a condo in Chicago, and then retired to Albuquerque in 1994. Kathy embraced the Southwest and loved to have friends and family visit at their beautiful home near the foot of the Sandia Mountains. She even took up watercolors.
Throughout her life, Kathy held an unwavering faith in God. The daughter of a Presbyterian minister, it was natural for her to be active in church life wherever she was. She participated in small groups, served as an elder and choir member (and soloist), helped with services, and worked behind the scenes, among other things. She made especially close friends at First Presbyterian Church in Downers Grove and New Life Presbyterian in Albuquerque.
Kathy had many interests. She was a voracious reader. She loved flowers and had various forays in gardening – with some beautiful rose bushes as the result. She’s always been interested in the royal families and history in general. She loved music, especially classical and hymns, and had a beautiful signing voice. (At one time she wanted to be an opera singer.) She also loved nature and hiking, and she has literally hugged trees on every continent except Antarctica.
Later in life she had to reimagine herself again as a single woman. She was strong enough to meet this and each new challenge in life without giving up and with her sense of humor intact. Even after suffering a major stroke in 2014, she kept her keen sense of humor. Her last years were spent being cared for at The Wellington in St. Paul (near Margaret). Despite losing the ability to do many favorite activities, she continued to joke and make friends, and reach out to help someone else.
Kathy was a big-hearted and generous lady who will be deeply missed by many.
Kathy is predeceased by her parents, Tony and Hilda Landgraf, and husband, Jim Garland. Kathy is survived by daughters, Caroline Martien (Robert) and Margaret Walljasper (Eric), grandchildren Jonathan, Gretchen, and Yana, and second cousin Sally Pfander.
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I also met Kathy at NL Presbyterian Church. Kathy was a kind, caring, loyal friend. She led our church in environmental…
I also met Kathy at NL Presbyterian Church. Kathy was a kind, caring, loyal friend. She led our chu…
I also met Kathy at NL Presbyterian Church. Kathy was a kind, ca…
Kathy was a welcome addition to New Life Presbyterian Church, especially to our choir. She had a strong and good alto v…
Kathy was a welcome addition to New Life Presbyterian Church, especially to our choir. She had a st…
Kathy was a welcome addition to New Life Presbyterian Church, es…
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Created with love by
Margaret Walljasper (Kathy's daughter),
Yana Walljasper (Kathy's granddaughter),
Caroline Martien (Kathy's daughter),
Gretchen Walljasper (Kathy's granddaughter),
Eric Walljasper (Kathy's son-in-law),
Bob Martien (Kathy's son-in-law) and
Jonathan Goytia (Kathy's grandson).
