Obituary of Catherine Alice Keck

Catherine Alice (Katie) Keck passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Cruz on July 21, 2014. She was 88 years old, and lived a full and joyful life. Katie was born to Eva Mae Hale Netka and Joseph Netka in Standard, California. She graduated from Sonora High School, and then moved to Stockton, California, where she waitressed at the Pioneer Restaurant. She married Herman Gordon Keck and they resided in Benicia for about 20 years. Later, they transferred to Germany to work for the Army, where they enjoyed living for 4 years with their children, Nancy Sue and Roger Martin. Every weekend during that time, the family took sightseeing trips together, visiting numerous points of interest all over Europe. The family returned to Stockton in 1972, where Katie and Herman lived for the next 30 years. They enjoyed gardening, canning and pickling; and they volunteered as a host family for foreign exchange students. They welcomed Cambodian immigrants by helping with gardening and reading skills, and supported their integration into American life. Katie moved to Santa Cruz in 2004 to live closer to her daughter Nancy. In Santa Cruz, Katie was a great supporter of the SGI Buddhist community, to which her daughter and daughter-in-law belong. Katie expressed her appreciation for the kindness and friendship of the local Buddhists and other family friends. One of Katie's favorite activities in Stockton and in Santa Cruz, was to have a coffee at Starbucks with the guys. She never turned down an iced mocha, or dinner at Gilda's. She was also an avid sports fan, and loved watching tennis, football, volleyball, basketball, and the San Francisco Giants. Katie is survived by her daughter Nancy Sue Keck, daughter-in-law Debbie Moser, dear devoted family friend Maureen Ryan, and nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband Herman Gordon, son Roger Martin, sister Julia Armstrong, and brothers William and Joseph Netka. Private memorial pending. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Project Purr (PO Box 891, Santa Cruz, CA 95061), or the American Lung Association (www.lung.org)