Kathryn Eileen Wiles

Kathryn Wiles Elsass of Austin, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021, at the age of 39. Kathryn was born in Olney, Maryland on July 2nd, 1981, to mother Mary Allison Wiles and father Thomas Wiles. At the age of 5 the family relocated to northern New Jersey, where Kathryn would matriculate through the Chatham school system and graduate as a Chatham Cougar with high honors. Kathryn’s childhood was a very active one with participation in the Chatham Fish and Game swim team, equestrian training at Lord Sterling Stables, softball, field hockey, and lacrosse teams to name a few. She was an avid snowboarder despite the rest of the family staying true to their skiing. Kathryn attended the University of Maryland, College Park Scholars Program and graduated with a degree in Psychology. While at the UofM Kathryn joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority where she mastered the art of maintaining her high level of academics and never missing a social. After a respite from attaining her degree, Kathryn returned to school to earn hers Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Kathryn went on to live and work in the greater New York area before moving to Austin, Texas in 2014.

Upon arriving in Austin, not one to stay at home on a weekend, Kathryn took the plunge with an online match making service where her first encounter was with Michael Carson “Casey" Elsass, who would become the love of her life and her husband in 2016. The two would reside in north Austin, not far from Casey’s childhood home. Aside from Casey, Kathryn’s other true love was for her cats, kittens and all animals in general. Kathryn would use her passion to establish her own pet sitting business, where she would typically become fast friends with the owners as well. After suffering from a severe fall and requiring major surgery, Kathryn’s health only deteriorated and she ultimately succumbed at her home.

Kathryn is survived by her loving husband, Michael Carson “Casey” Elsass, grandmother Kathryn Lambert Allison, mother Mary Allison Wiles, father Thomas Wiles, sister Kerry Gierisch, brother-in-law Adam Gierisch, nephew Gus Gierisch, niece Fiona Gierisch and mother-in-law Susan Elsass. Kathryn was also cherished by her many aunts, uncles and cousins, particularly the notorious Girls Gone Wiles.

Due to current restrictions, a small celebration of life service is planned for Friday the 22nd at 11am, which will be live streamed and a reception hosted by the family is also in the making. Live Stream Link: https://www.facebook.com/WCFFunerals.

People wishing to make a gesture of kindness at this time, in lieu of flowers, a donation to Austin Pet’s Alive organization would make her smile.