Katherine Proehl Martin

After a battle with aspiration pneumonia, our mom peacefully entered into heaven on July 25. She has been reunited with her husband and parents - she is now whole and happy again.

Kitty B, as she was affectionately called by family and close friends, was born November 25, 1943 to Oscar and Marion Proehl. In June of 1963, she married the only boy she ever loved, Bernard D Martin. They were married 53 years until his passing in 2016. She has missed him every moment of every day since.

Kitty B had an idyllic childhood growing up in Fort Hill with her parents and sister. It was a true representation of a simpler time. Friends became family and neighbors looked out for one another. She stayed within two blocks of her McKinney Ave home until moving in with her family in 2021.

Kitty worked at General Electric and then Crown Simplimatic until their closing. She enjoyed her career at both companies and made many friends along the way.

Kitty was a relentless advocate for those with learning challenges. She spent countless hours with the Learning Disabilities Association during the ‘80s. The majority of her life was dedicated to making sure her daughter’s life was validated and valued by others.

Kitty B’s heart was her faith and her family. She was a member of Memorial UMC from the age of 15 and was a charter member of Heritage UMC where she faithfully attended until her passing. Some of her most cherished memories involved Methodist Youth Fellowship activities as a teen, then leading MYF groups as a young adult. She attended bible studies, helped with VBS, drove Meals on Wheels and later volunteered in the Heritage UMC preschool. Being a part of the preschool gave “Miss Kitty” an enormous amount of joy the last few years of her life.

Aside from her family and faith, UVA sports is what Kitty lived for- watching and attending basketball, field hockey, and baseball games. She was a Wahoo in every sense of the word. We are sure she and Bernard are together in the blue and orange section of heaven.

The legacy she leaves behind is her family. Her shining star and sidekick - Beth D Martin, her rocks - Melissa and Roger Cash, her favorite grandson and basketball partner - Justin and Erin Cash and the apple of her eyes, her great grandbabies- Liam and Leah Cash. She also leaves behind the sister she cherished - Becky Proehl. She was blessed by her extended family and the long-lasting friendships she had throughout her life. Just like her mother, Kitty B loved without fail.

Although our hearts are heavy at losing our mom and our “Kate”, we thank God for the unconditional love she gave us and the foundation of faith she instilled in us. We will carry it with us until we are all together again. The sun is shining brighter, because she now lives among the stars in heaven!

Kitty’s celebration of life will be held at Heritage United Methodist Church, Leesville Road at 11am on Friday, July 28. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Heritage UMC or UVA Athletic Foundation for the baseball and/or field hockey teams, 1815 Stadium Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903

“God is good all the time and all the time God is good.”