Kathryn Horvat

1938 ~ 2023

Kathryn Horvat, a long-time champion for human rights and women's rights, passed away on March 16, 2023, at her home in Salt Lake City at the age of 84.

Kathryn was born and grew up in Washington, D.C., moving to the Chicago area in 1952. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in history from Carleton College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, and an MBA in Information Systems from Roosevelt University. She taught Social Studies and English in middle school before her children were born. In 1980, when her children reached middle school, she returned to the workforce in computer programming and systems analysis, right at the beginning of the IT revolution. She moved to Salt Lake City in 1996 and continued her career for several years before retiring in 2003.

Kathryn lived a full and well-rounded life. She was actively involved in promoting women's rights through membership and leadership positions in several national and international organizations, including Women Graduates-USA, American Association of University Women, and Graduate Women International. She attended sessions of the UN Commission on the Status of Women nearly every year since 2006. This year she had carried out the delegate training as the Global Impact chair and had planned to be in New York for the CSW 67 until her illness rendered her unable to attend.

In addition to her work advancing women's rights, she did extensive research on the beginnings of the United Nations and UNESCO and developed training materials and held classes for the systems she developed. She was a fixture at the United Nations Association of Utah and the Salt Lake Committee on Foreign Relations and regularly hosted Great Decisions groups. She was a writer and editor for several organizations' newsletters where she also served in leadership roles. She was active in the St. Mark's Episcopal Church, including singing in the church choir, and performed volunteer work through VITA and other groups. She was a dedicated reader, a lifelong learner, an avid golfer, and a sports fan who supported the Chicago Cubs, Real Salt Lake, and teams from the University of Illinois and University of Utah. Kathryn was also a world traveler, having visited six continents.

Kathryn is survived by her son Steve Horvat (Andrea Winbauer), daughter Esther (Jim) Blaskovich, grandchildren: Sarah, Samantha, Casey, and Anna, sister Betty Updike, and much extended family.

Kathryn leaves behind a legacy of respect and dignity for all. She will be greatly missed and loved always.

A mass will be celebrated on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM, at St. Mark's Cathedral, 231 East 100 South, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the American Association of University Women. Donations can be mailed to Kathy's home address.

Arrangments have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please visit www.starksfuneral.com to share photos and memories with Kathryn's family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Apr. 12 to Apr. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Horvat

How you can show support

Notify Me

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Laurie Ann Leonhardt

April 22, 2023

Kathy was a long time member of our Mick Riley Women's golf league. She will be missed. She was truly one of a kind. We are so sorry for your loss.

jennee mannos

April 18, 2023

So sorry for the family's loss. I was able to bowl with Kathy and became her hairdresser the last couple years. She will be missed. May her memory be eternal.

Midge Delavan

April 17, 2023

Midge Delavan

April 17, 2023

Midge Delavan

April 17, 2023

Kathy organized many virtual meetings for AAUW and Women Graduates-USA and Daria during the Covid year and long after. It seemed that she was the glue that held us together. She even arranged meetings which she could not attend because she was at another meeting. We all got used to seeing each other on the screen. When we finally met in person, Kathy was present and contributing from her wide experience and love of the work. At the first in-person meeting, she was outdoors with other women she had worked with to maintain her mother's legacy and her own. I am grateful for her presence and her mentoring. She knew many people and invited them to do things they had not yet thought of.

Theresa Thompson

April 16, 2023

Kathy always had a unique sense of adventure. She always surprised us and would join in the fun. This was taken on a corn maze when we visited her in Salt Lake area around her birthday a few years ago. We have many fond memories of little adventures like this; times on the beach, exploring festivals, ballgames, art, concerts and even singing in a choir to the Messiah.
She had a positive outlook in life and made each day count. May we live the same way.
Much live and prayers to the family.
Thompsons

Betty Updike

April 15, 2023

While I am very sad at the passing of my dear sister, I am grateful for her in my life. She was my rock through life´s difficulties. She was kind and thoughtful. Kathy was fun as well and a zeal for life. I will miss her dearly.
Betty Updike

Sue Fleming

April 12, 2023

I met Kathy when she played golf on ghe Bonneville Ladies 9-hole League. I was impressed by her commitment and joy with the game even during the last 2 seasons when her health was fragile. We will miss her.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results