Catherine Mildred Kangas

Catherine (Katie) Mildred Kangas, 90, of Solomons, MD (formerly of California, MD), passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at Asbury Solomons, where she spent her later years surrounded by family, community, and the riverfront she loved.

Born in Racine, Wisconsin, Katie was the eldest of three children of the late Edward and Bernice (Peterson) Laznicka. Raised along Lake Michigan, she learned to read the wind, waves, and weather at her father's side-skills that sparked a lifelong affection for the water. After graduating high school, she worked at Johnson Wax, and during her young adult years she met Oliver "Ollie" Raymond Kangas, the man who would become her husband, best friend, and devoted partner. They married on August 16, 1958, and celebrated more than 65 years together before Ollie's passing in 2023.

Katie and Ollie built a life rooted in faith, community, and travel. Their journey carried them from Wisconsin to Illinois, Kansas, New York, Florida, and ultimately to St. Mary's County, Maryland in the late 1960s. There, they raised their three children and became active in community life through Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, St. Mary's College of Maryland Arts Alliance, and local sailing organizations. She especially cherished the friendships formed through the Southern Maryland Sailing Association and the Solomons Island Yacht Club.

In the mid-1980s, Katie and Ollie built a home on the Patuxent River, a place that became the heart of their family life for decades. From their pier, they loved watching the watermen work the river. Their home was known for hospitality, wonderful gatherings, and the smell of something delicious coming from the kitchen-Katie was a fabulous host and an exceptional cook.

Professionally, Katie was proud to be the first employee of Eagan, McAlister & Associates, where she helped secure early contracts and shape the company's growth. After her retirement, if she and Ollie were not sailing, they were often traveling. In 2010, she endured a life-altering injury while abroad, and her long recovery became a testament to her strength and faith.

In 2021, Ollie suffered a traumatic brain injury, and the couple moved to Asbury Solomons so they could remain together with the care they needed. Katie quickly became a presence in the community, attending lectures and movies, playing bridge and working puzzles, and joining friends nightly for dinner at the Riverview. The friendships she formed there became a treasured source of comfort, especially after Ollie's passing.

Catherine is survived by her daughter, Linda Ann Karaczynski (Jake) of Leonardtown, MD; son, Joseph Alan Kangas (Pamela Raymond) of Ridge, MD; sister, Carol Pfankuch of Dallas, OR; granddaughter and namesake, Katie May Dixon (Ryan Ducey) of Valley Lee, MD; step-grandson, Nick Nowotny of Hollywood, MD; and great-granddaughter, Rowan Josephine Ducey. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ollie, her son Michael Edward Kangas, and her brother Edward B. Laznicka.

Family will receive friends on January 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, MD. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Ridge, MD. A reception will be held at the Reconstructed State House at Historic St. Mary's City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, in gratitude for the dignity and compassion shown to her in her final days.

Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.