Katherine Mary Darato, 74, of St. Joseph passed away Dec. 17, 2020, at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville. Katherine was born Dec. 21, 1945, to Andrew and Lucille Darato in Coloma, Michigan. She lived in Coloma until sixth grade and spent the rest of her life in St. Joseph.
She was a graduate of Lake Michigan Catholic High School. Katherine worked at several local businesses over the years. She was generous, kind and easy going. After her parents died, she took care of two siblings: Beverly and Andrew. She loved going to rummage sales, estate sales and book sales, and riding a bike down to Silver Beach and looking at the lake. She loved cooking, and cheering the Chicago Cubs on. She loved watching the birds outside her window. Katherine loved her faith. For many years she spent time in Adoration and had a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother.
In her later years she survived two noncancerous brain tumor operations but eventually became bedridden. She was cared for by her devoted sister, Laura Darato.
A special thank you to neighbor Phil Rood for transporting Katherine to Ann Arbor Hospital and helping her to get back to walking with a cane and for his help on many home repairs. Thanks to Matt Payovich for helping get Katherine to her doctor appointments. Cousin Bonnie Estkowski also helped her a lot, especially supplying wonderful meals.
She is survived by four siblings: Beverly Darato, Laura Darato, Sharon (Brian) Case of Kent, WA; and Andrew Darato. She has two nieces: Belinda (Jimmy) Green and Cassandra (Jim) Sprinkle. She really loved her grand-nephew Mason Green. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Charlie Shoemaker and many cousins. Preceding her in death are her parents: Andrew and Lucille Darato; and her sister, Linda Shoemaker.
Katherine’s life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial on Jan. 4, 2021, at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor at a later date.
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Irene (Johnson) Ledford
Kathy was such a kind-hearted and gentle girl. She loved her family unconditionally and was always there for them. May God bless her loved ones during this very sad time. My sincere condolences and prayers.
Diana DeWitt
Kathy and I worked together at Zenith for many years. She was a lovely lady, my sincere condolences for her family, I know she will be missed greatly.