Nina Marie Katan

Nina Marie Kelley Katan of La Mesa, California passed away at home at the age of 90. A native of Illinois, Nina was born on July 31, 1927. She was the second of four children to Gordon J. Kelley and Margaret C. Kelley. Nina grew up in Huntley and Elgin Illinois, and upon graduation from Elgin High School she attended St. Joseph’s Hospital school of nursing, specializing in labor and delivery. Nina began an adventure with Robert B. Katan “Bob” after he was discharged from the Army. A vacation trip to San Diego resulted in Bob being offered a job with Convair General Dynamics that lasted 37 years. Working for Convair they were transferred to Nebraska and New Mexico, always returning to San Diego. Nina began working as a labor and delivery nurse at Sharp Hospital. Her children were always so proud to point to the stork on top of the hospital saying, “there’s where my mom works!” Nina continued working as a nurse in the new locations their travel took them. Always compassionate towards those less fortunate, when she heard that children in her new town, Roswell, New Mexico were missing school when it got cold because they had no shoes Nina started a campaign to find shoes for the less fortunate children. She had memorable impact on so many lives. While working as an RN at Sharp Grossmont for 25 years she helped welcome more than 2500 babies into the world. She influenced many lives with her children and others following her into the medical field. Sharon became an RN with Sharp Healthcare emergency department, Brian became an emergency department physician, with Cynthia, granddaughter Amy and grandson, Matt all working in medicine. Following Nina’s example, all her children and grandchildren are involved in volunteer activities to help those in need or suffering. Son, Mark has volunteered in many ways in Temecula, most recently the Taste of Temecula, the Temecula Education foundation and the Wounded Warriors project.

The family enjoyed the outdoors, always roving in their motor home. Bob and Nina were members of the Convair Recreation Association and were long time members of Our Lady of Grace Church and attended nearly all of the Elgin High School West Coast Reunions held in Fresno, California.

Nina was so proud of all of her children and was an exceptional wife, mother, nurse and friend and will be missed by many. Nina fought her illnesses with dignity, courage and tenacity and celebrated her 90th birthday in style surrounded by her family at the Grossmont Hospital TCU, Transitional Care Unit.

Special thanks to the staff at Grossmont Hospital TCU and Sharp Hospice and 24 Hour (Home) Care for their support.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Our Lady of Grace Church or Grossmont Hospital Foundation, PO Box 158, La Mesa, CA 91944 or online at give.sharp.com/Grossmont-foundation.

Nina is survived by her children, Sharon Rudnick (Michael), Robert Mark Katan (Debbie), Brian Katan (Laurie) and Cynthia Wallace. She was blessed with nine grandchildren Christy, Kevin (Vida), Kelley, Jenny (Matt), Matt (Jaisa), Nick (Emily), Amy, Chelsea and Michael and five great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her older brother Robert J. Kelley (Lois), of Maryland Heights, Mo.; sisters Marlene Saelens of Durand, Ill.; and Rita Wiedman (Jim) of Lombard, Illinois. She also had numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whom she remembered fondly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Robert B. Katan, September 16, 2006.