Katherine Gaertner

1932 - 2024

Katherine Shawer Gaertner

January 15, 1932 - September 8, 2024

Katherine Shawer Gaertner, age 92, of Crozet, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024. She died peacefully at her home with family members at her side.

Born in Richmond, Virginia in 1932 to Joseph P. and Lyde A. Shawer, Katherine grew up an only child on the family's small farm in Ashland, VA.

Katherine was accepted at the College of William & Mary in 1949. She was a sister in the Kappa Delta Sorority, a Red Cross volunteer, and participated in the Theater Department. Immediately upon graduation in 1953, she was placed in charge of the restored Craft Millinery Shop of Colonial Williamsburg and was one of its first docents.

In 1954 Katherine married Naval Reserve Officer Lt(jg) Paul Courtney Gaertner, Jr. of Atlanta, GA. One year later, the first of three sons was born: Paul Courtney, III. Charles Joseph was born in 1961. John Alden followed in 1964.

In the 1970's, like many women, Katherine began working outside the home. After a period at the University of Virginia's Alderman Library, she worked at the Sperry Marine Employees Federal Credit Union; first as a teller, then as manager. This experience led to her being recruited by Control Data Corporation (CDC), to work as a regional installer of its financial management computer systems.

Throughout this time, Katherine remained a devoted mom. Besides being a wonderful cook, she was adept at every hobby she pursued, whether it be sewing, dress and Halloween costume making, knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, block printing, decoupage and handmade wreaths and Christmas ornaments.

Belleek Irish pottery was one of Katherine's great passions. She began collecting in the late 60's and was recognized as the Belleek Collectors International Society Honoree in 1997. The ceremony was held in Ireland, a place she loved and would return to. Katherine enjoyed sharing her interest and founded two Belleek collectors chapters. Per her wish, her cremated remains will be preserved in a Belleek urn.

In 1987, Katherine relocated to Herndon, VA. There she worked at a number of jobs before finding a "home" at HRI Associates, an independent insurance agency, where she was the office manager. She would remain there for over 30 years.

Animals were another of Katherine's passions. Feral or abandoned cats seemed to sense they would find help in her backyard and through the years she rescued many "four-legged" friends. Among these she adopted Mr. Hobbes, Calvin, Cleo, Miss Blue, Samantha, and Cassie. Fortunate felines indeed.

In 2020 Katherine retired and moved to Crozet, VA be near her family. After battling cancer for six years, she elected to forgo chemotherapy so she could escape its side-effects and improve her quality of life. Over the past six months she enjoyed reading a few books each week, knitting, eating out (5 Boys, BBQ and Mexican), and day trips in central Virginia with her family.

Katherine is survived by her sons: Paul C. III, and his wife, Pat, of Crozet, VA; Charles J. and his wife, Dimitra, of Charlottesville, VA; and John A. and his wife, Amy, of Free Union, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph P. and Lyde A. Shawer.

Since her death, Katherine's friends and colleagues have remembered her as a strong, independent woman of many interests and talents, who was thoughtful and generous to others. Her family is heartened that she was able to enjoy her last few months and did not suffer in her final days. We love and miss her dearly.

Those interested in honoring Katherine are asked to donate to a local animal support organization.