Dorothy Re Katcher, 90, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at Anthology of Overland Park Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Funeral services were graveside for the family on Sept. 6 at the family plot in Sheffield Cemetery, 6200 Wilson Avenue, Kansas City, MO.
Dorothy was born to Herman and Sara Labowitz, in Kansas City, Kansas, on April 20, 1932. She loved her upbringing, proud of the family deli and grocery there. Growing up in Jewish tradition, the family became early members of Congregation Ohev Sholom. The pride and love in her family was obvious.
She grew up there in the early years until the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and Waldo, where she ultimately attended Paseo High School (1949 graduate). Dorothy went to college at Illinois University, and returned to Kansas City after her time there. She married Norman Katcher in 1953 and joyously raised their two sons. All the while, then, her years spent with her family, raising her boys, and all the special times she enjoyed at Ohev Sholom were, to her, the best years of her life.
She is survived by her brother, Gary (Connie) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and by both sons, Randy (Sandi) Katcher and Steve Katcher. Five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also survive her as well as extended members of family from both sides of her marriage. She was preceded in death by her dearest of family… close-knit, love-filled parents, aunts, uncles and her brother Jack.
Dorothy had two fun careers. First, as a travel agent she took advantage of seeing several sites around the world — her favorite being the west coast of Maui — as often as possible. She then provided her tact, wit, and sparkling yet professional personality in customer service for an AT&T subsidiary in Overland Park. She forged great friendships through these endeavors.
During Dorothy’s early years, she and her best friend, Pearline Kaufman, were inseparable. In later years, her best friend, Marilyn (Armel) Gamet, was similarly just about attached at the hip. The love these women shared seemingly knew no bounds. Dinner theater was a highlight in her retired life. Later in life, she connected and enjoyed going to lunch often with a group of Beta Alpha Beta (BAB) sorority friends from Paseo High.
“Dorothy from Kansas,” her favorite method of self-introduction, was emblematic of her joy for life. She will be remembered as a voice of compassion, with a kind word for everyone she knew. At every chance, if possible, she sought to brighten someone’s life if just a little.
“Always show more kindness than seems necessary, because the person receiving it may need it more than you will ever know,” Colin Powell said. From her children’s experience, Dorothy tried to live this every day of her life. Her family will miss her more than might possibly be imagined.
“Find comfort and peace of mind resting next to your family. They will hold you in their arms now. Sleep well, Mom,” her children say.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any contribution to one of Dorothy’s favorite charities: The newly presented Ohev Sholom Legacy and Heritage Fund (she was particularly fond of this idea) at Congregation Beth Shalom; The Alzheimer’s Association of your choice; Friends of Sheffield Cemetery; Susan G. Komen of Kansas and Western Missouri.
