Kathryn Irene Mraz

Kathryn Irene "Tody" Mraz died peacefully at home on Monday, August 19, 2024. Kathryn was born June 15, 1929, in Benton Harbor, MI to F. Roy and Ann Watts Clemens. Kathryn was raised in neighboring St. Joseph, MI.
Kathryn attended Catholic schools in St Joseph and, later, attained a Bachelor's of Music degree at St. Mary's College at Notre Dame, IN.
Kathryn married George Daniel Mraz on March 26, 1951. Together they had 5 children while living in Boston, Pittsburg, New Albany, Chicago, Cincinnati before finally settling-down on a small farm in the Lafayette area. Kathryn and George were married for almost 55 years.
Kathryn taught chorus and history plus directed musicals through-out most of the 1970s & 1980s at Central Catholic H.S. Kathryn was known as "Mom" to her students and, for many, complimenting their biological mom in some way.
Kathryn also attained a Master's of Science in Education from Purdue University. Kathryn was also a life-long student with a special interest in history. Kathryn later obtained an RN from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and worked at St. E. hospital for about 10 years before retiring.
Kathryn taught private piano, organ and voice lessons to students throughout Tippecanoe County over a 4-decade period.
Over the years, Kathryn played organs at St. Boniface, Sisters of the Precious Blood Monastery and St. Anthony's Nursing Home. Also, Kathryn played organ and sang for hundreds of weddings, many of them for her former students. If you ever heard "Mom" sing Ave Maria at communion at St. Boniface, then, you probably had the experience of "dying and going to heaven."
Kathryn had a "Pied Piper" gift for making work seem fun, whether spring cleaning at home with her own children or preparing CC students for state music contests. She also enjoyed watching her own children and students play CC sports.
Kathryn was blessed with 15 grandchildren, all with fond memories of visiting "Nana" and "Gramps" at the farm.
After George passed away, Kathryn was courted by Jack McGinnis of Fowler, Indiana. They married and had several wonderful years packed with trips, basketball games, concerts and family reunions.
Towards the end of her life, Kathryn loved living on the farm and enjoyed visits with family, especially with her many great-grandchildren.
Surviving Kathryn are her 5 children including, Dr. Royann Mraz, Dr. Kathleen Ammann (Larry), Ann Bongen (Doug), George R. Mraz (Colleen), Jim Mraz (Sylvia) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Preceding Kathryn in death are her parents; her first husband, George; and her second husband, Jack; Dr. Raymond Clemens (brother); Barb Clemens (sister-in-law); Kathy Clemens (niece); Robert Swinborne-Sheldrake (son-in-law); and Jan Schulte Mraz (daughter-in-law).
From her cousin, Tim Milhouse: "She leaves wonderful memories for all of us, and I will never forget the smile, the laugh, and the voice when she sang."
Gifts in Kathryn's memory should go to Lafayette Catholic Schools.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm, Friday, August 23, 2024, at Cathedral of St. Mary, 1207 Columbia St., Lafayette, IN 47901.
A reception will follow the funeral mass at Bishops Memorial Annex.
Interment will follow the reception at St. Mary Cemetery, 2122 Old Romney Road, Lafayette, In 47909.
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