Catherine K. Liles

CATHERINE “Kay” ELIZABETH KARINJA LILES, age 97, joined her husband in heaven on February 20, 2018, just two days before what would have been their 61st wedding anniversary. She was born on July 5, 1920 in Hoboken, New Jersey to Simon Karinja, Sr. and Catherine Picinich. She is survived by her loving son Keith and son-in-law Tony Gray, her youngest and favorite kid sister Lillian Powell of Manahawkin, New Jersey, and two adoring nieces Cheryl Stark and Gayla Standfield, both of Conroe, who assisted her selflessly during her final years. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews in both Texas and New Jersey. She was predeceased by her faithful husband Henry, parents, brothers Samuel Karinja (Delores), John Karinja (Ann) and a sister Mary Henry (Hank). Kay graduated from Rumson High School in 1938 and was the star athlete of the ladies basketball team. Her first job out of high school was as a Payroll Specialist for the Credit Union of the US Army at Ft. Monmouth. Later, she worked for the American Cancer Society, Baker Botts Law Firm and Cooper Industries. On a trip to El Paso to visit family, she met her future husband Henry and very quickly returned to Rumson to pack her bags for a move to Houston. They were married in Las Cruces, NM and she quickly grew to share Henry’s love of motorcycles. They traveled the US on their custom Indian cycles until 1957 when they finally purchased a car with the arrival of their son Keith. Kay was baptized Catholic but after marriage became Episcopalian, and was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She never knew an idle moment as evidenced by her active membership in many organizations. She was a pioneer in the Beta Sigma Phi Social Service Sorority, holding memberships in the Houston, Pasadena and Deer Park Councils. She was instrumental in building chapter membership and served in most leadership roles. She was the first woman in Texas to receive the International Award of Distinction, BSP’s highest honor. She received the Order of the Rose and was selected Woman of the Year numerous times by her Chapter. She was a loyal friend to the women she called “sisters” as they were to her. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, the Lewis Elementary School Room Mother, and President of the Mt. Carmel Mother’s Club. She was a member of the Glenbrook Valley Civic Club, the Baylor University ATO Mothers, and she and Henry were members of the Bluebonnet Travelers. Funeral services will be held at Forest Park Lawndale Chapel of Angels on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 10am, followed by graveside services. Any contributions made in Kay’s memory are asked to be directed to the Harris County Drug Court Foundation, 515 Caroline, Houston, Texas 77002. Mother, you have more than earned your place in Heaven alongside Dad. Please know you will be dearly missed but your memory and life lessons will be celebrated each and every day.