Catherine Hewson Fahringer

CATHERINE ''KAY" HEWSON FAHRINGER
Catherine *Kay" Hewson Fahringer a well-known and respected financial executive and
community leader, died March I0,2023. She was 100 years old.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kay moved to Miami in 1958 with her son, Frank Beckett.
She joined Dade Federal Savings and Loan in 1958, which later became CentTrust Savings Bank,
as a Public Relations Clerk, and rose through the ranks to become Executive Vice President in
charge of Savings, Human Resources and Marketing. She also served as a member of its Board of
Directors, positions she held for many yea.rs until her retirement in 1984, due to the illness and
subsequent death of her husband, Edward.
Kay was recognized as a "Trailblazer" for the advancement of women in business and in the
community. She served as the first woman President/Chairperson of many professional, civic, and
charitable organizations in Miami-Dade County and in the State of Florida. She was Chairperson
of The Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County, The South Florida Blood Service, President
and Trustee Emeritus of Florida International University Foundation and the FIU Golden Panthers,
its athletic organization. She was President of The Country Club of Coral Gables, its first woman
president in 60 years, and was also its Commodore of The Fleet and President of its Woman's Golf
Association. She was named a Lifetime Founding Director of WPBT Chanel 2, a lifetime member
of The Girl Scouts, the YWCA and Lifetime Member of The Institute of Financial Education in
Chicago, where she served as a National Director representing the State of Florida... Through study
and teaching, she was awarded its Graduate Diploma. She received an Honorary BA from the
"University of Hard Knocks" at Alderson Broaddus College in West Virginia. She has served as
Chairperson of the Board of Adjustments of the City of Coral Gables and Vice Chairperson of the
City's Senior Citizens Advisory Board.
Kay was also a public Arbitrator for NASD Regulations Association. She has been acknowledged
by many organizations locally and throughout the State of Florida for her organizational skills and
for her dedicated service. Many times, she was told "It can't be done", but with her leadership and
the help of others, "they did it".
Among her many acknowledgments and awards, she was named the Outstanding Citizen of
Miami-Dade County in 1984 for her work in health care and education and in 2007, she received
the Mayor's Pioneer Award of the Miami-Dade County's "In the Company of Women" program.
Her favorite pastimes - golf, bridge, and orchids. She has served as President of The Coral Gables
Women's Golf and Bridge Association and was also a member of the Greenway Women's Golf
Associations.
Kay was pre-deceased by her husband, Edward, and her son, Frank Beckett.
A memorial service will be held at a later at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, where she
was an active parishioner.