Obituary of Katherine Ann Eaton

The life of Katherine Ann Eaton (nee Kime), also know as “Kay”, “Nana”, “Grandma”, and “Mom”.

Mom was born on November 10th, 1928, in Charlestown, MA to Robert William and Annie Kime (Roach). Her name was originally spelled “Catherine”, but since she had difficulty forming the letter “C” she decided that, forever after, her name would begin with a “K”, regardless of whether it met with the government’s approval. She was raised in humble surroundings, sharing her home with her mother, father, many brothers and sisters & little money. She would later recount the memory of buying broken ice cream cones for a small price, and eating them with a little milk on top for breakfast.

At 19, she met her husband to be, David H. Eaton Jr. (Bud), from Lynn MA, at a skating rink. She later married and moved to Saugus MA.

Their marriage was followed in short order with the birth of their first four children: Kathleen M. Chapman of VA, David M. Eaton (deceased in infancy), Susan A. Ady (deceased) of WA and Carol R. Young currently living in GA. Four years later followed with the birth of David O. Eaton of WA and five years after David, her youngest son Steven E. Eaton of WA.

Mom would spend the next 30 years raising her children in a 1400 square foot home in Saugus, MA. Like so many women of the depression era she was very resourceful, and very adept at running her household. Morning would find her packing lunches for her children to bring to school. Every night at 5:00 supper was on the table; her kids never went to bed hungry, regardless of what food was in the house. She was born and would remain throughout her life a rather quiet person, but did enjoy the occasional get-together with her large extended family of nine brothers and sisters, their spouses and countless nieces and nephews. She also had a small group of friends from the neighborhood whom she played cards with on a regular basis.

In 1989, after her children had grown and scattered, she relocated to Tacoma, WA where some of her children and grandchildren lived. She chose to live in a small duplex in a quiet neighborhood. The apartment was located at the end of a dead end road, surrounded by large trees & a quiet brook. She would often sit outside on a warm summer day, enjoying her roses and garden. She like to read, and was a big fan of the Readers Digest. She also immersed herself in in her crafts at the Senior Center she attended; where she learned how to make ceramic cats and macrame wall hangings among other things, all of which were generously dispersed among her children’s families.

Because she liked to stay out of the limelight—even if it was dim—we all remember her fear of the unknown consequences she would face after being caught fishing without a license from the dock at her sister’s cottage in Litchfield, ME. You could always see the angst in her face when she spoke of the fearsome game warden that snuck up on her, asking her to produce her fishing license, which she had not gotten around to purchasing. This became a classic tale of adventure that often found its way into our conversations in later years.

Mom loved her furry and animated toy animals, especially a life size Teddy Bear nicknamed “Fred”. Fred could always be found sitting in the corner, adorned with his “Boston Red Sox” cap and sometimes sunglasses. Mom would often jokingly call him a “slob”, although he never seemed to mind.

She always enjoyed visits and holidays with her family in the area, and was appreciative of phone calls from family & nieces, nephews and friends when she could no longer travel. It always perked her up to hear about what others were doing and to know that they were well and happy.

In her declining years she moved in with her daughter Carol and Son-in-Law Jack, who lovingly cared for her needs. They would often go out for drives or end up at her favorite restaurant, where she would have her usual BLT sandwich. The restaurant provided the quiet atmosphere she craved.

During her final days, her grandson Jacob and wife Angela asked her to move into their home in the country. It was there that she received the around-the-clock care & love that was always present. She was surrounded by three generations of her family, who attended to her needs with love and care. She was even joined in her bed by her three year old grandson Mateo. He would also often come into the room and quietly sit on the chair next to her bed, keeping vigil.

Mom had a large & loving family who all loved their “Nana” dearly and who was deeply loved by her. Her posterity included five children, seven Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren, and four Great-Great-Grandchildren. She left this world as we imagine she came into it—surrounded by a loving family. She went home to be with Jesus on November 30th, 2023, at the full age of 95, having loved those whom God gave her along the way.