Kathleen Okerson

Kathleen P. Okerson, 89, of Indianapolis, passed away on June 25, 2021. She was born on September 17, 1931 to the late Joseph and Frances Dugan. Kathleen attended grade school at St. Philip Neri and high school at St. Mary's. She went on to attend Marian College. She worked at the telephone company shortly after she married Ray and then spent the next 25 years as a tutor and computer room /resource coordinator at St. Philip Neri where she was a parishioner for many years, along with Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Kathleen was involved with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fatima Council of Knights of Columbus. She was inducted into the St. Philip Neri Hall of Fame, a Eucharistic Minister and in recognition of her many years of service to St. Philip Neri, the school library was renamed "The Kathleen Okerson" Library. She enjoyed helping with weekly bingo and spending time with her K of C friends. Kathleen loved family gatherings, no matter the reason, but her very favorite holiday was celebrating Christmas. However, in her heart she knew we were all missing a "holiday". This is when she created her very own "Hug Me Day", which has become a family favorite and our family will continue this tradition for many years to come. Kathleen just celebrated her 68th wedding anniversary on June 20, 2021 with the love of her life, Ray. She loved dancing, teaching and vacationing with friends, going to the races and any event that included her family. She loved her husband Ray, 8 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all her heart, but she was like a mother to so many more. She will be missed more than words can say.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband of 68 years; Raymond E. Okerson, children; Joe (Patti) Okerson, Theresa (Charles) Hadley, Dave (Anne) Okerson, Tom (Maureen) Okerson, Paul Okerson, Jim (Maureen) Okerson, Kevin (Karen) Okerson and John Okerson, grandchildren; Amy, Stephanie, Tim (Kayla), Chris (Mary), Katie (Mark), Elizabeth (Jesse), Emily, Michael, Ryan (Heather), Patrick (Hannah), Abby (Mitch), Andrew (Mary Beth), Matthew (Alex), Vince, John (Erin), Jacob, Alex and Aaron, great-grandchildren; Hannah, Haden, Riley, Landen, Hazel, Jack, Josie, Paige, Mary Claire, Gwyn, Agnes, Callen, Easton, Pennie and Lily.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her brother; Francis (Frankie) Dugan.

Visitation will be held at Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (7243 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, In.) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 10:00am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Kathleen's honor to:

St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 550 N. Rural St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46201 OR to honor Kathleen's own personally declared holiday, "Hug Me Day", give someone you love a hug!

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