Katherine Grace (Abowitz) Norfleet

Kate was born in Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on November 19, 1972, and was only official “Okie” in the Abowitz family. She was a force to be reckoned with, and began honing her executive skills on dolls, guinea pigs, her sister, her parents, and her friends at a very young age. She was an agile and able intellect, taking on speed math competitions, competitive speech competitions, winning full scholarships to both the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, and earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and from Babson. She was a lover of animals, serving as a junior docent at the Oklahoma City Zoo (just in case there is someone who did not know that -IYKYK), and serving as a pet mom to multiple cats, a series of guinea pigs, some fish, a bearded dragon, and a hedgehog. She was a generous, loyal, and fun-loving friend who would stand, undaunted, by your side through the most powerful storms (and then laugh with you until your stomach hurt). She was an expert in her field and a demanding, fair, and compassionate boss who rose to any challenge, and still took the time to nurture and invest in new talent.

Most importantly, she was a fierce, loving, and committed mother. Her love for her son was the most compelling force in her life. We are reduced by her loss, but so very grateful for the young man in whom she has instilled her force of will, her good sense, her sense of humor, and her enormous heart.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a gift to the Northeast Animal Shelter (www.northeastanimalshelter.org) or the Oklahoma City Zoo (www.okczoo.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EustisandCornellFuneralHome.com for Katherine's family.