Helen Yocich "Kathie" Orr

1927 - 2024

Helen (Kathie) Orr
09/03/1927 - 08/08/2024
Helen (Kathie) Yocich Orr passed away peacefully August 8, 2024, in Greenbrae, CA at the age of 96. She was born September 3, 1927, in Detroit, MI to Alex and Olympia Yocich. As a teenager she attended Mercy College, and later found a career in 1948 with Trans World Airlines (TWA). Her 30-year career at TWA enabled Kathie to travel the world, on her own and then later with her husband.
In 1968 Kathie married Warren D. (Bub) Orr and they lived in and remodeled their homes themselves in San Carlos and Aptos, California. After retirement in the 1980s they enjoyed travel and each other's company.
Throughout the 1990s Kathie cared for her husband Bub during his decline into Alzheimer's disease; a steadfast commitment demonstrating her caring and real strength of character. After losing her husband in 1999, Kathie moved to San Francisco, and then in 2008 moved to assisted living at the Tamalpais in Marin, where she lived her final 16 years.
She had an uncanny love for numbers and a keen memory. She was a Life Bridge Master with ACBL, and longtime volunteer with and member of the ACLU. Bridge, Dominoes, Yahtzee -- watch out -- she tended to win at them all, while coaching her opponents along the way.
Kathie loved her family, and kept correspondence lifelong with them all.
Kathie was predeceased by her husband of 31 years, Warren D. (Bub) Orr, her brothers Milton (Stella) Yocich, Duke (Mary) Gordon, sisters Donna (Bob) Frue, Rhoda (Walter) Dombrowski, Mary (Steve) Kaniski, niece Beth Frue, nephews Neddie Yocich, and Bobbie (Nellie) Kaniski.
Kathie is survived by her brother Louis Yocich, stepsons Jim (Doris) Orr, Robert (Martha) Orr, granddaughter Madolyn Orr, great-grandson Alexander Eng, NIECES Diane Vitale, Laurie (Dave) Cluster, Debra Jackson, Mimi Orr, Jan Orr, Torri Orr, Cathie Orr, Sue Orr, nephews Chris (Pema Bresnahan) Frue, Alex Yocich, William Kaniski, Walter (Kris) Dombrowski, Rick Orr, Pete Orr, and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
A memorial service was held at Hillside Cemetery, Belleville, Michigan, September 21, 2024. Donations to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are welcomed on her behalf.