Kathryn "Kate" Jo Waddington

Our beloved Kathryn “Kate” Jo Waddington (nee Stephens) passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024 surrounded by her nearest and dearest loved ones. Kate was born on July 13, 1956 (Friday the 13th as she would often remind many) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her mother, Harriet Jean Stephens (nee Rutledge), was a nurse turned homemaker and her father, Donald “Steve” Emmons Stephens, was an esteemed family physician during a time when house calls were still the norm. Kate was the youngest of four children, two boys and two girls, and as you might imagine given the birth order, full of grit and wit. A self-proclaimed tomboy, Kate loved sports and amassed quite the G.I. Joe collection as a kid. Much to her chagrin, her daughters would channel their energy towards Barbie. Kate was a School 84 Bigham Bear where she met friends that would last a lifetime and graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1974. Following in the footsteps of many family members, she went on to attend Indiana University where she majored in Business, graduating in 1978. While at IU Kate pledged Alpha Phi and began dating a Phi Delt named Dean Waddington who became her loving husband of almost 44 years. Their love story began with a trip to the movie theater to see a minor box office hit, Star Wars. They went on to have two daughters, raising them in the same communities in which they were born. With an emphasis on meaningful family time, Kate made everything from family trips to life’s mundane moments beautiful and something her family will treasure forever. Kate spent much of her professional career in Sales. She was a decorated employee at American Express for many years, later transitioning into the world of publishing and academic journals. She had an effortless ability to create connections with nearly everyone she met. While there are many ways to describe Kate’s effervescent personality, her magnetism comes to life in her laugh. A sound to quite literally wake the dead. A sound so inviting, infectious, and carefree you cannot help but draw near to her orbit. While an accident in 2018 stole her ability to walk, her spirit never faltered. She had strength, gratitude, and grit from early on that propelled her forward, always with positivity. She was something to behold. Kate wrote the book on resilience, now Dean and “the girls” proudly continue her legacy. Kate was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jeff Stephens; and brother-in-law Dennis Sizemore. She is survived by her husband Dean Waddington and daughters; Sally Waddington and Anne (Josh) O’Brian; and grandson, Sonny. She is also survived by her siblings; Leslie “Middi” Sizemore and Jon (Cathy) Stephens, as well as several loving nieces and nephews. Her family would like to thank the extraordinary healthcare providers at Kindred Hospital Indianapolis North and her at-home care team of one, Tonya Welch. Their compassion can never be repaid, but they endeavor to pay it forward. Per Kate’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends. In lieu of flowers and donations, Kate’s family asks that you spend quality time with those you love. Time is the currency. Love deeply and openly. Don’t hold back. Make it count. A special note from Sally and Annie: To our extended family, Mom and Dad’s friends, our friends - Thank you. To our Mom, our best friend, our soulmate, our world - We will feel you near on a cloudless day in the summer on the lake, we will smell you in the scent of sunscreen on our skin and your favorite perfume on our wrists, and we will hear you in contagious laughter around those we love. To love you and be loved by you is the greatest gift of our lives.