Katherine Lee Russo

Katherine Lee Russo died August 18 after a long, brave fight with cancer. Born August 12, 1960 to Dr. Arnold & Mary Russo, Katie was a lifelong educator in Indianapolis. After graduating from Cathedral High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master of Science in Elementary Education, and completed the Educational Administration program from Butler University.

Katie applied her degrees to a variety of roles: as teacher then assistant principal at St. Luke’s Catholic school, Coordinator of Teacher Licensing for the Indiana Department of Education, Assistant Dean at Butler University College of Education, and most recently as Education Liaison for an outpatient program at Riley Children’s Hospital.

A strong and independent woman, Katie approached every day with her personal motto of “Life is Good”! Her vibrant and always positive personality attracted people to her from all walks of life. She treasured her friends and family and liked nothing more than sharing a good time with all of them, filled with laughs and memories, hopes and dreams.

Katie was called to education as a profession and a passion, always dedicated to bettering the lives of her students both in and out of the classroom. Many tales have been told of her dynamic hosting abilities, legendary Elvis jumpsuit, and ceiling full of freshly-thrown pencils. From first-graders to college seniors, she made a lasting impact on hundreds of students and their families.

An avid golfer with an uncontrollable slice, Katie was also an almost green thumb gardener, a questionable driver, and a life-long lover of the many dogs she had, especially her beloved Golden Retriever, Oliver.

She is survived by her four brothers, Steven (Barbara) Russo, Michael (Colleen) Russo, Richard Russo and Thomas Russo; her nieces Margaret Anne Russo, Laura Suzanne (Alex) Chittenden and Alison Mary Russo; her aunt and uncle Theresa and Don Williams; uncle Robert Noonan; cousins Michael (Chris) Williams, Molly Williams, Gretchen Bireley Crawford; her adopted family, Matt and Erica Durham and their children, Auggie, Ruby and Grey.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 25 at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary from 4-8pm, with a Mass of Celebration at St. Matthew’s Church on Thursday, August 26 at 11am. A private family burial will follow Mass in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Katie and her family request a donation to the Riley Children’s Hospital for use in their school program.