Katie passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2020. at age 93, at Mission Pointe in Lamont, Michigan. She was born September 8, 1927 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Louis Saye and Kathryn Eleanor Saye (who preceded her in death). Kathryn was also preceded in death by her second husband, Colin Orosz, first husband, William Cotton Hitchcock, her brother, Jack Saye, her sons – Jefferey Hitchcock and Gregory Hitchcock. Kathryn was survived by her daughters, Jennifer Evans, Victoria Parker and sister, Sally Crouch. Kathryn has living: eleven grandchildren, many great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
A memorial celebration of her life will be arranged at a later date in the Spring when it will be safer to gather. Kathryn will be cremated and interred at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park in Kalamazoo.
Kathryn Saye Hitchcock Orosz graduated from Kalamazoo Central with her Aunt Mary Anne Mertz Ven De Ville who was in the same grade and was the sister of her mother. Katie went to the First Baptist Church in Kalamazoo and was active in the youth group. She took vocal lessons aspiring to be an opera soprano. Instead, she married William Hitchcock and they had four children, Jeffery, Jennifer, Vickey and Greg. The most family fun times were tent camping all over Michigan. Later, after their children were grown up and out of the nest, they divorced. Eventually they both married to spouses that were wonderful people.
Kathryn married Colin Orosz, on Valentine’s day in 1987. Katie and Collie were inseparable. They loved to travel. Collie took photos of places they visited all over the world including: Florida, the Hawaii islands, Europe, the Holy lands, Alaska, and California. They had several fifth wheel trailers and truck that they traveled with all over the United States and Canada. They were always together and in love.
Grandma Katie was loved her grandchildren who will miss her. She and Collie settled on Mud lake near Long lake. They put in a sandy beach, a dock and a raft so the children would have a safe, fun place to swim. Of course, Grandma Katie loved to swim too. Visitors were always welcome. Katie often dreamed of living on Lake Michigan. Her dream came true when they bought a house next to the beach on Lake Michigan, south of Silver Lake. They lived there until they needed assisted living and moved to a senior home facility. A few years later Collie needed more care. They moved to Mission Pointe in Lamont between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven.
When Collie died, we almost lost Katie because she grieved intensely. She got better with a little help from her friends at Mission Point. She was humorous, witty, wise and loved hugs.
Not all of her life was easy. She faced many challenges, but she faced them bravely. She often sang, prayed, and did her best. Katie beat COVID 19! Though she tested negative, her body couldn’t survive the damage.
We believe she is with Jesus in Heaven with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Katie's name to either the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society. Contact information is provided below for your convenience.
Written by Jennifer Hitchcock Evans
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