Kathryn Fowler

Kathryn Katie Costello Fowler, 75, of Ashland, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, died Monday, June 6, 2005 of complications from a stroke at University Hospitals, Cleveland, with her husband and seven children at her side.

Katie was born January 30, 1930 in Cleveland to the late James and Kathryn Dwyer Costello. She attended Kent State University, majoring in elementary education. Katie and Frank Fowler married in 1952, residing in Cleveland Heights until 1966 when they moved to Ashland with their children.

In addition to her husband, Frank, Katie is survived by her children: Mary Alan Castor, Mansfield; Sheila Tom Finnerty, Mansfield; Jim Bonny, Granville; Tom Kim, Pittsburgh; Frank JoAnn, Cincinnati; Nancy Kevin McNamara, Chicago; and Angela Mike Murray, Chicago; and twenty-two grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, James Costello, of Ashland, as well as several sisters- and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Her deep Catholic faith was an example to her family and was shared by many longtime friends at St. Edward's Church in Ashland. In her 15-year career as librarian at Edison Elementary School, Katie's care and concern for all children was combined with her passions for reading and storytelling, touching the lives of countless children in the community. She volunteered with St. Edward's Hunger Center and as a surgical hostess at Samaritan Hospital. With Frank, Katie enjoyed spending winter months at a family home in Belleair Beach, Fla., and traveling to visit their children and grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005 and also from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2005 at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland. Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 10, 2005, at St. Edward's Church, 501 Cottage Street, Father James Cassidy, celebrant. Burial will follow at Ashland Cemetery.

If so desired, contributions in Katie's memory may be made to St. Edward's School, 433 Cottage Street, Ashland, OH 44805 or to Poor Clare Monastery, 4108 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103