November 15, 1924 to April 6, 2015
By Lily Katz
At the age of 90, Mildred Katz left this planet for someplace new. Up until the very end, she was a firecracker; joyful, sharp as a tack, and unafraid to tell it like it was. Her tenacity, independence and stubbornness inspired us all. Millie loved her family and friends unreservedly, and exuded warmth so profound that she could make people across a crowded room feel welcome.
Born in New York City in 1924 to immigrant parents from Romania and Poland, Millie was a student of the world and developed wide ranging passions, from dance and music, to politics, science and literature. A child from the Bronx, she graduated from Hunter College in 1945 with a B.A. in biology and worked as a medical technician and research assistant at several hospitals. In 1948, she earned a teaching credential and an M.A. in science education from Columbia University. One day in the library, Millie met Arnold Katz. After going on a school-sponsored ski trip together, Arnie invited her on a date. The two were married three months later, and moved to Des Moines, Iowa together.
Their daughter Teri was born in 1950, and three years later, they had their son, Dean. Millie and Arnie moved from Iowa to Ohio to Pullman, Washington, and finally to Seattle in 1956. They were smitten with the incredible beauty of Seattle as they drove across the floating bridge, and knew that the city would forever be their home. Three years after settling in the Pacific Northwest, their daughter Mira was born.
Millie worked in the lab at Children’s Hospital, and went on to receive her teaching certification for the state of Washington at the UW in 1964. She taught high school biology and numerous other science courses at Forest Ridge Convent of the Sacred Heart for 16 years, and spent the second half of her career at The Lakeside School. Her students, who have described her as “tough but fair,” stayed in touch until the very end — a testament to the tremendous impact she made as a teacher. Millie’s teaching was one of the many gifts she gave to the world, but was also a profound gift in her own life. She loved her students, who were both a joy and a challenge.
Aside from teaching, Millie’s interests ran the gamut from river rafting to reading Shakespeare. In fact, she probably read everything Shakespeare wrote at least five times. An active member of the League of Women Voters for many years, Millie also loved the Seattle Opera, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, musical performances at the UW’s Meany Hall, taking classes at the Lifetime Learning Center, her book clubs, going to movies, French Silk ice cream, and, of course, the Seattle Seahawks. An avid birdwatcher for decades, she also had a special place in her heart for elephants and marine mammals. Her life was broadened by travels to the Galapagos Islands, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Australia, New Zealand, Tanzania, Botswana, Israel, and many other places.
Millie’s children and grandchildren were a tremendous joy in her life, and she never forgot to show her gratitude for their love and support. During her final years, she developed close friendships with her fellow University House residents whom she described as warm, welcoming and interesting. The University House staff appreciated her kindness and generosity of spirit, as well as her uncanny ability to remember everyone’s name.
Although she was ready to leave her body when she passed, Millie made sure to stick around long enough to meet her great grandson — Nolan James Kennedy — who was born the day before she passed away. Talk about the circle of life.
Her three children (Teri, Dean, and Mira-Lisa), her five grandchildren (Curran Kennedy, Noah Katz, Matthew Mass, Mike Mosko, and Lily Katz), their families as well as numerous friends and colleagues will remember Millie for her openheartedness, humor and generosity. A celebration of Millie's life will take place on Friday, May 22, 2015, at 3:00pm at the Graham Visitor Center in the Washington Park Arboretum, 2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle, 98112. Please sign the guestbook at www.funerals.coop