Katherine Elaine Stewart

"Gigi"

August 4, 1924 – December 28, 2014

Katherine was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a large family that loved music. The 5th of 9 children, her childhood was painted with much singing and love.

In 1943, Katherine met James Stewart; a soldier stationed in New Orleans prior to being sent overseas. After WWII, the couple married in her hometown on February 16th, 1946. A year later, they welcomed their daughter, Donna on April 6, 1947.

In 1948, Katherine and Jim moved to California and settled by the ocean in Seal Beach. They lived there until Jim died in 2003. Katherine moved to Laguna Woods, CA, in 2004, and then moved back to the ocean. She stayed there, in Dana Point, CA, until she died at the age of 90.

Her work included the Department of Navy (during WWII), and the department of music at Cal State University of Long Beach, where she was employed for several years. An avid church goer, she faithfully attended St. Anne's Catholic Church from 1948-2004 and daily volunteered her services in the rectory during the pastor hood of her dear friend, Father Michael Collins.

Katherine had a sharp wit, a great sense of humor, and a lot of spunk. She survived cancer 4 times. She was a professional knitter, a wonderful cook, and a devoted wife and mother. Loving Hawaii, she vacationed at Napili Kai Beach Resort, every May, with the same friends for over 30 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna; 3 grandchildren, Jamie, Adam, and Holly; and 7 great-grandchildren, Hannah and Heidi Lush, Ava and Austin Wallace, and Corinne, Luke and Micah Robinson. They will remember Gigi's melodic voice, singing her favorite lyrics from the 30's, 40's, and 50's - lyrics which she never forgot.