Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Catherine R. Coleman

Sept. 13, 1958 - April 28, 2008

South Bend Tribune 4/29/2008

SOUTH BEND - On Monday, April 28, 2008, Catherine R "Kate" Coleman, 49, completed her life's journey and ended her 18-year battle with multiple sclerosis, a fight she could not win but that she fought courageously, never giving in, until her nemesis attacked by night while she slept and took from her everything but her fighting spirit. Kate's greater life story is one of optimism and hope. Kate was born to Edward R. and Noreen J. Kasper on September 13, 1958, in South Bend, with whom no doubt she is now reunited at a kitchen table in a family neighborhood in heaven. Kate was the youngest of seven children and her mother's last hope for a red-headed lass to carry on her fiery-haired Irish legacy. Even at birth, Kate did not disappoint. Kate grew up in a Kasper home featuring one bathroom and five women fighting for position every morning as the day began, instilling in Kate a competitive spirit and readiness to take on the day that prepared her to face challenges she would overcome later in life. The Kasper household also instilled in Kate a love of card playing, family gatherings and Friday evening "popcorn nights," simple pleasures, the kind that Kate continued to enjoy most throughout her life. Kate attended St. Anthony's Grade School and graduated from John Adams High School where she was an honor student, a volleyball player and a cheerleader. A determined Kate made her way through college one or two classes each semester while working full-time and graduated from Indiana University South Bend in 1993. Kate began her 25-year professional career as a unit secretary in the ER at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. She moved to human resources where she eventually rose to HR Director, first at the Visiting Nurse Association and then Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center and also served as compensation and benefits director for Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Inc. Kate's down-to-earth personality, enthusiasm and warmth earned her the admiration and affection of all those she worked with.

 

On June 10, 1989, Kate married Sean J. Coleman. She was the love of his life. On June 1, 1992, she gave birth to her daughter, Margaret E. "Maggie" Coleman, the joy of her life. Kate loved to decorate for every holiday of the year and was "the queen of Halloween," throwing annual Halloween parties for neighborhood kids and dressing up in her witch's costume, complete with make-up and crooked nose, to pass out candy. Sean and Maggie survive to honor Kate's memory. Kate is also survived by Dan (Pat) Kasper, Michael Kasper, Patty (Bob) Nyikos, Sharon (Mike) Bergren, Marian (Bob) Miller, Edward Kasper, and a dear sister-in-law, Betsy Coleman. Kate also leaves behind a cheering section of nieces, nephews and extended family members. Kate was a professional in Human Resources (PHR), a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), the YWCA HR Committee, and the Indiana State Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society HR Committee. She was a former Athletic Board member, HASA officer and volleyball coach at Corpus Christi Grade School. Kate was a principal organizer of the annual Michiana Women Against Multiple Sclerosis (WAMS) luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Kate's memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana State Chapter, 7301 Georgetown Road, Suite #112, Indianapolis, IN 46268.

 

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 30th, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home on Bendix Drive in South Bend from 2 to 9 PM, with a Rosary at 4 PM, and a time for sharing Kate stories at 8 PM. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, May 1st, at 10:30 AM in Corpus Christi Church. Kate fought to live her life to the fullest and ended each day looking forward to the promise of the next. She was an inspiration to those of us who are blessed to have known and loved her.