G. Katherine "Katie" Wright

MARQUETTE, MI – Grace Katherine "Katie" Wright, age 97, of Marquette, entered eternal life Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at home, in the loving, comforting care of her husband and a dedicated team of caregivers, to whom the family is grateful for the excellent care provided during her final years.
Born December 5, 1926, in Greens Fork, Indiana, a daughter of Earl Watson and Leah Carol (Colson) Carr, Katie grew up in Anderson, Indiana, and graduated from Anderson High School, Class of 1944. She continued her education at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana, and later attended Methodist Hospital School of Nursing where she met her future husband, Kenneth Charles "Charlie" Wright. After earning her certification as a registered nurse, she continued at Wayne State University in Detroit, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. On May 4, 1952, Katie was united in marriage to Kenneth Charles Wright, at the end of his internship as a new doctor. Together the couple established a home and began raising their family. Katie joined the Wayne State University Nursing School faculty, teaching and mentoring nursing students. From the start, the couple had a keen understanding of each other's careers and worked as a team when it came to family, career responsibilities, and their community. In 1956, the couple relocated to Marquette where they quickly became involved in community life. Dr. K. Charles Wright set about establishing his practice while Katie managed the home and balanced her time being a supportive wife, mother, homemaker and community leader.
Katie was very family centered and a devoted mother when it came to her children. She was very involved in community service and her civic responsibilities included belonging to the Marquette Rotary Club, serving on the Marquette Beautification Committee, and serving as chairwoman for the Marquette County Republican Party. Katie was quite creative and possessed an optimistic attitude. She was a trail blazer and not afraid to take on new tasks. She enjoyed traveling and experiencing different cultures, and with her welcoming and giving personality, hosted several foreign exchange students and international visitors throughout the years. She actively planned and hosted community and fundraising events. In 1974, Katie was appointed to serve on the Northern Michigan University Board of Control, serving 16 years, and in 1977 was elected the first woman chair. For her contributions, the university awarded Katie an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service in 1989. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, and later the Woodland Church (formerly Marquette Missionary Church), where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.
Katie is survived by her husband of 71 years, K. Charles Wright, M.D.; four children, Kenneth C. (Jane) Wright of Charleston, WV, David C. (Yolanda) Wright of Guanajuato, Mexico, Susan W. (John) Aucott of Lutherville, MD, and Pamela K. Wright of Fredericksburg, VA; 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Katie was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Mae DeVinney, and brothers, James and Franklin Carr.
Memorial services will be held at the Woodland Church on May 11, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am followed by the service at 12:00 noon. Pastor Jeff Woodward will officiate. Interment will be in the Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marquette Beautification Committee, P.O. Box 334, Marquette, MI 49855, and Northern Michigan University Foundation's School of Nursing Scholarship Program, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com