Catherine was born in Chicago, Illinois. She was the youngest of 10 children born to her Ukrainian immigrant parents. Catherine and her younger siblings were raised by the oldest sister, Anne after the death of both of her parents during the Great Depression. Those years left her with a deep appreciation for hard work and compassion for those around her in need. In her middle school years she became known as “Kay” and retained that nickname for the rest of her life. After her high school graduation, she went to work in downtown Chicago as an Executive Secretary for Popular Mechanics Magazine. In 1948 she married Donald Ernest Leutz and became a homemaker and mother to their daughter, Judith Anne and son, Donald Ernest Leutz, Jr.
The family relocated to Los Altos, California in 1951. Kay was an avid golfer and was a member of the Los Altos Golf and Country Club for many years. She also worked part-time at Perman’s Women’s Apparel Store in downtown Los Altos.
Kay moved to Danville, California in the early 1980’s to be closer to her daughter and grandsons. She became an active member of the Crow Canyon Country Club where she played golf, bridge and dominoes. She was employed by Macy’s at the Stoneridge Shopping Center for many years. She was also a volunteer for the John Muir Hospital Auxiliary.
Kay was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Judy Leutz Perko. Kay is survived by her son, Donald E. Leutz, Jr. his wife, Sylvia; by grandson Gregory Perko of Livermore,CA, his wife Katlyn, their daughter Emersyn, and Kay’s grandson, Garrett Perko of Livermore, CA.
Services will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 10am in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton, CA. A graveside service will follow at St. Augustine’s Catholic Cemetery in Pleasanton.
Remembrances may be made to the ALS Association Golden West Chapter or your favorite charity to benefit children or veterans.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18