Katheryn "Kay" Fano

Katheryn (Kay) Fano, 98, passed away on October 18, 2011. She was born on December 29, 1912 in Brooklyn, New York, to Dr. Charles and Carolyn Koehler. Kay was raised in Brooklyn and had an idyllic childhood until her parents separated when she was a teenager. Kay graduated from White Plains Senior High School, White Plains, New York, in 1931. She attended Packer Collegiate Institute for two years, and graduated from Hunter College receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics. Kay worked a number of jobs after college, culminating in serving as the Personal Assistant to an Advertising Executive.

Kay married Manuel O. (Jack) Fano on October 17, 1942 in New York City. At the time, Ensign Fano was assigned to the Office of Naval Intelligence, Washington D.C. Following WWII, Jack left active duty and returned to New York. In 1948 he accepted a position with a company in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the next 40 years, corporate moves with what is now British Petroleum, took the family to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jackson, Mississippi; Oklahoma City again; Fort Worth, Texas, and eventually to Houston.

Throughout her life, Kay was an excellent swimmer, teaching swimming and life saving courses. She was an enthusiastic dancer and avid bridge player. Kay and Jack were accomplished square dancers and round dancers, and Kay did not stop dancing until hip replacement surgery in 2001. Kay then substituted water aerobics for dancing. Kay remained an avid bridge player up until this year, when her battle with cancer limited her mobility. Kay and Jack joined St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church soon after their arrival in Houston and remained active members. Most recently, Kay served as a Saturday volunteer at the St. Christopher’s/Houston Hospice Thrift Shop.

Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, who died in November 1991 after 49 years of marriage. Kay is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Mount, Houston, Texas; son Robert Fano and daughter-in-law Margaret, Fairfax Station, Virginia; and nieces Susan Anderson and spouse Roger , Houston, Texas; and Helen T. Frazior and spouse Roger, Texarkana, Texas.

Kay is survived by three fantastic grandchildren, Amy Stader and spouse Jason, Plymouth, Wisconsin; Stacy Cross and Stan IV, Austin, Texas; and Josh Fano and spouse Jamilyn, Brambleton, Virginia. Kay is also survived by six great grandchildren, Eli Stader, Ella Stader, and Livie Stader, Plymouth, Wisconsin; Stan Cross V and Jay Cross, Austin, Texas; and Aiden Fano, Brambleton, Virginia.

A celebration of Kay's life was held at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 1656 Blalock Road, Houston, Texas 77080, on Friday, October 21, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, all were invited to greet the family during a reception in the courtyard. Interment will be on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at Houston National Cemetery, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Kay’s name be directed to St. Christopher’s/Houston Hospice Thrift Shop, 1650 Blalock Road, Houston, Texas 77080.

Kay will always be remembered as a loving wife and devoted mother. She is now reunited with the love of her life, Jack. We are confident Kay would like to say “thank you” to all of her friends, caregivers, and family members, who provided her their love and support.