Kathryn Fourhman

 

Kathryn L. Fourhman, 93, entered heaven on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at Bristol Medical Center, TN. One of her final requests was to "enter the Pearly Gates into Jesus' loving arms." The care, respect and compassion provided by the Bristol Medical Center nursing staff returned the love and generosity given by Kathryn throughout her life. Kathryn was surrounded by the love, prayers, and words of her family, and most importantly, she was surrounded by God's presence.

Kathryn, also known as Kate, Katie, Kitty, MOM and NANA, was born August 25, 1930, in Williamsport, PA. She was raised by her loving grandparents, Edward and Sarah Hughes, who taught her about the love of God, caring for others, and generosity. Kathryn's vivid memories of growing up poor yet so rich with a life of love, valuable life lessons, perseverance, and compassion for others was evident in all aspects of her life.
 

Kathryn graduated from Williamsport High School, then went on to York College, where she attended Nursing School. Kathryn married the late Wilford B. Fourhman, and they shared six children. Kathryn is preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Gale Fourhman and her late husband Wilford Fourhman, late husband Stuart Olewiler, and brother Robert Yetter.

Remaining to cherish Kathryn's memory are three daughters, Kathryn Ann 'Kathy' and her husband John Trimble of Missouri, Carol and her husband Terry Ziegler of Delaware, and Tina and her husband Aaron Hill of Georgia.; and two sons, William and his wife Lorie of Ohio, and James and his wife Holly of Tennessee where she resided happily the last two years. Kathryn loved and delighted in her eleven grandchildren and her nineteen great grandchildren, and she always remembered to send cards for birthdays and special events. She created lasting memories for each to treasure.

Kathryn learned to play the piano at an early age, and she played most of her life. Bethany United Methodist Church (now Bethany York) was blessed by years of her playing. She was an avid reader of romance books and would read 50 books a month. She enjoyed gardening, and her African Violets would brighten her windowsills.

Kathryn was a public servant leader and loved York City, PA, where her children graduated from its public schools. Kathryn served on various York City PTAs, once as PTA President. She was a school board member and served on numerous boards to include York Girls Club Advisory Board, AAA Motor Club, and the York Recreation Commission. Kathryn was one of the founders of "We Back York High Boosters" and the founder of York City Dollars for Scholars where her legacy continues.

Kathryn was the first woman coroner in the state of PA and served York County as Coroner from 1973-1998. As a trailblazer, she had to prove herself repeatedly, and she did so in amazing ways.  The loss of Kathryn's firstborn after only a few days of life created a heart of compassion. She demonstrated compassion and care in her role as coroner to over 11,000 families.

Kathryn's involvement in York extended beyond her role as coroner. She was deeply invested and involved in the Baby and Child Car Seat Program, Seatbelt Safety & Awareness, Motorcycle Safety, Suicide Education, and Drinking and Driving Education and Awareness. She was also appointed to the Governor's Task Force Committee on Drinking and Driving.

Kathryn received many awards and honors throughout her career, and the York Branch of the American Association of University Women included her in their "York County Women Remembered" listing women who made a difference in the community. Her police dispatcher code was "County 50."
End of watch County 50.

A reunion of her family to celebrate Kathryn's life will be held at a later date in York, PA. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in Kathryn's memory to York City Dollars for Scholars.

Donate By Direct Mail:  York City Dollars for Scholars, Inc., P.O. Box 2261, YORK PA 17405-2261, or online website:  https://yorkcity.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?section=chapterWebsite&action=donate&fwID=387

Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.mountaincityfh.com

The family of Kathryn Louise Fourhman has entrusted her care to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.