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Katherine Roberta Bruenderman
1945 - 2020
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Katherine Bruenderman Obituary
Louisville - Katherine Roberta Bruenderman ("Kathy" to her many siblings) passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 28, 2020, in Louisville, KY surrounded by her loving family. A resident of Newport, KY, Katherine was born in Louisville on July 26, 1945, to John and Lucille Bruenderman, the third child in a family of twelve children.
She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and received her undergraduate degree from Ursuline College (now part of Bellarmine University), a Master's degree from the University of Cincinnati, and a Juris Doctor degree from Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law.
Throughout her professional life, Katherine was a champion of those who needed a champion the most. Her years as a social worker and later as an attorney were spent generously representing people who had little in the way of resources but who needed help with the many trials and tribulations of life. While she never had much in the way of financial resources, Katherine was rich in friends. Those who knew her loved her kind soul. She often saw the beauty and value in things and people that others could not. Katherine's greatest legacies are her humanitarianism, brilliance and delightful sense of humor. Many will remember and miss her generous sharing of her talents, her wit and wisdom, and her great appreciation of art and culture.
Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and nephew, Michael Buddington. She is survived by her brothers: Warren (Janice), Paul, David (Debbie), Tom (Beverly), Jim (Patti), Mike, Jim Ross (Toni), and Patrick (Elizabeth), all of Louisville, KY: sisters, Diane Buddington (Don), Boulder, CO; Nancy Skiles (Dallas), Louisville, KY; Carol Paisley, Lexington, KY; Martha Gray (John) of Frankfort, KY; and Gail Skees (Frank), Louisville, KY; twenty nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her chosen family of dear friends and special cousins.
True to her giving nature, it was Katherine's wish to donate her body to the UC College of Medicine. A memorial gathering and Celebration of Life will be held (and announced) at a later date. Ratterman Funeral Home in St. Matthews was entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Bruenderman
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
Arnelle Dow
September 10, 2023
Sitting here on a summer's day reflecting on my friend, Katherine. It maybe three years ago you left, but you linger in my memory as though you just walked through the door.
You had such a soft, solid way to speak! It was always a pleasure to share time and thoughts with
you.
Such a joy to know!
Cathy Montgomery Gilbert
March 2, 2022
Kathy's obituary came to my inbox today, and I am glad that I took a moment to re-read her lovely obituary. I am reminded of how lucky I am that Kathy was a friend to my family and me. With love from Kathy's Kysoc family.
terri remy
February 28, 2022
thanks godmom. miss you always.
Mary Ann Arnold
June 10, 2021
We enjoyed each other every time we were together! I miss Cousin Kathy! The world has lost an Angel! R.I.P.
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Katie Albury
April 29, 2020
I first knew Kath at Camp Kysoc when we were summer employees. She was a friend from the moment we met and remained that until about 10 years ago when we lost touch somehow. She was a funny wonderful person A friend from Kysoc texted me today to tell me of her passing. The world has lost a wonderful person and I am sorry Margaret. Your sister thought you were the best. My love to all the Bruendermans. Katie
Shotsy Faust
April 9, 2020
I knew Kathy in the 60s when she was a food stamp social worker. She, Rick ratterman and I would gather to sing and make music. She was a kind soul and Ive carried her light with me all these years. Thank you Kathy. RIP
Josie Schreiber
March 20, 2020
Katherine was one of my chosen friends and I'm
assuming I was one of hers. I've known her for several years and never saw her without a smile on her face.
She was always there to offer advice, counsel or help a friend in need.
I drove her to Louisville and met her mother and stepfather a few years ago. Katherine talked of her family and was so proud of them.
She had a "family" here in Bellevue and will be sadly missed by us all.
May you rest in peace Katherine.
My sincere sympathy to her family and friends.
Shirley Trice
March 18, 2020
I met Katherine when I worked at Goodwill in Bellevue KY. She was always smiling and I loved talking to her even when I had a bad day she would cheer me up. You will truly be missed Ms. Katherine (as I called her). You earned your wings now rest Angel. Sorry for your loss and sending prayers and love to her family and friends...
Cathy Montgomery Gilbert
March 9, 2020
Kathy was a counselor at Camp Kysoc in the 1960s. My parents were caretakers of the camp and my family lived there. Everybody at Camp, including the Montgomery family, loved Kathy. She had a wonderful sense of humor and compassion.
Mary Jo Reid
March 9, 2020
Kathy, thank you for always sharing your kindness with me. I loved hearing all the many crazy stories of people your life touched.
You are a gentle soul.
March 6, 2020
katherine was my best friend for almost 55 yrs. she was a constant in my life and graciously became my daughter. elyse's godmom. she tried to never miss our birthdays and holidays. she truly was a gift to us all and i miss her immeasurably. thanks godmom for all the great memories. peace and prayers terri voegele remy
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