Catherine "Kay" W. Yager

Catherine Walters Yager, affectionately known as “Kay” and “Mimi,” passed away peacefully at the age of 104, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, love, laughter, and a life steeped in both history and heart.

Born on August 22, 1920, at Saint Vincent DePaul Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kay's life began under uncertain circumstances. Just nine days old, she was lovingly adopted through the Catholic Church by Catherine Elizabeth O’Neill of Chester, PA, and Frank Walters of Brooklyn, NY. The family made their home in the steel mill town of Roebling, New Jersey—a place that left a lasting impression on her spirit and sense of determination.

Kay's life spanned over a century of profound change.

Born the year women gained the right to vote, she witnessed 20 U.S. presidencies—from Woodrow Wilson to Donald Trump. Her early years were marked by economic hardship and bureaucratic hurdles—including not receiving a formal birth certificate until she was 40 years old. Yet through it all, her humor, strength, and resourcefulness shone brightly.

A gifted pianist from the age of six, Kay studied under Ms. Krall for 50 cents an hour—a rare and cherished opportunity during the Great Depression. Music became one of the great loves of her life, and she continued to share her talents with family and at church into her 90s. She was the longtime organist at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, where she made dear friends and offered musical inspiration during Sunday Mass and at funerals. Her presence behind the organ brought comfort, beauty, and faith to the community—an expression of service that meant as much to her as it did to those who listened.

Kay possessed a remarkable musical talent, being proficient in both playing the piano by ear and reading sheet music. This dual ability is relatively uncommon among musicians, as it requires distinct skill sets. Playing by ear involves translating heard melodies directly onto the instrument without written guidance, relying heavily on auditory memory and intuition. In contrast, reading music demands interpreting written notation and translating it into precise finger movements. Mastering both approaches allowed Mimi to perform with exceptional versatility and depth, enriching her musical expressions and enabling her to connect with a wide range of compositions and audiences.

After graduating from St. Mary’s Cathedral High School in Trenton New Jersey, at just 16 years old, Mimi pursued business studies and began working for the State of New Jersey. She was hired by an insurance company in Trenton, NJ and she commuted from Roebling to Trenton daily on a train alone which was uncommon for a young woman to do at the time, but those of us who know and love Kay are not surprised.

In 1939, at the age of 19 years, Kay took a position as Office Manager at Heights Town Airport at Bennett’s Air Service where the company sold Piper Cubs aircraft. It was there a young pilot , Louis W. Yager, looking to get time in the cockpit by cleaning aircraft, walked into her office. Mimi always remembered Lou/PopPop had the clearest blue eyes she had ever seen and that she knew almost instantly he was "The One." They were married on October 24, 1942, at Saint Claire’s Catholic Church in Florence, NJ, and together, they embarked on a life of love, adventure, and faith.

Kay and Lou relocated frequently for Lou’s career as an American Airlines commercial pilot before settling in North Richland Hills, Texas. There, they raised their children, Joe and Mary. Theirs was a family built on love, faith, and the quiet strength that Mimi carried through every chapter of her life.

At the age of 53, Kay later fulfilled her dream of nursing by becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse - yet another testament to her lifelong commitment to having a compassionate heart and caring for others.

Mimi lived a life of richness and depth—skating behind city buses as a girl in Roebling; playing piano through nine decades; and comforting patients with a gentle touch. One of her greatest joys was traveling across the country by motorhome with Lou and the family—especially their treasured trips to Colorado, filled with mountains, memories, and laughter.

Into her later years, she kept her spirit lively with monthly visits to WinStar Casino, where she found joy in the lights, the laughter, and maybe just a little luck. Anyone and everyone she met, Mimi instantly made feel like a friend. Her hospitality was legendary—her home was a welcoming haven, always filled with warmth, laughter, and the joyful presence of treasured pets over the years. Whether you were a neighbor, a Home Health Care provider, or a grandchild’s classmate, you were treated like family.

Mimi often shared that her secret to a long and fulfilling life was simple: "Laugh, and surround yourself with people who have a positive approach to living." She embodied this belief, filling her days with joy, optimism, and the company of those who uplifted and inspired her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Catherine Walters; her beloved husband of 65 years, Lou (2007); and their son Joe (2010).

Kay is survived by her loving daughter Mary, who provided constant and devoted care in Mimi’s final years; her granddaughter Carol Belanger and her husband Scott, and their two children, Ashtyn and Jarrett; and her granddaughter Catherine Long and her husband Matt, and their two children, Caroline and Carter. She is also remembered fondly by extended family and many dear friends who were touched by her warmth, humor, and wisdom.

A life well-lived. A woman who loved deeply and was deeply loved.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Metroport Meals on Wheels at metroportmow.org or the Talking Book Program of Texas, organizations that reflect Mimi’s lifelong love of service, dignity, and the power of connection.

Kay's service will be held on Monday, April 14th, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church 7341 Glenview Dr. North Richland Hills, TX. Visitation will begin at 9:45 AM and the funeral mass will be held at 11 AM.