Mary Katharine Geimer Matson

Mary Katharine Geimer Matson passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and fierce devotion to family. She was, above all, a woman in love with life.

A graduate of the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota, Mary Katharine later earned a master’s degree in English from Indiana State University, a testament to her lifelong love of literature and language. Her professional path led her to the Admissions Office at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where she became an early adopter of technology, teaching herself DOS and later HTML at a time when such skills were far from common.

Mary Katharine was a gifted writer and poet, publishing work that reflected her insight and imagination. She was also a classical pianist, enchanted by Liszt and the lush beauty of the Romantics, yet now and again, a contemporary work would slip into her repertoire.

Her intellectual passions extended far beyond the arts. She was a forward thinker, an avid reader and spirited discussant in politics, current events, and global affairs. She maintained a lifelong fascination with astronomy and astrophysics, often exploring the cosmos from her armchair with the same curiosity she brought to world affairs. Ever adventurous in both thought and life, she traveled abroad in her retirement and once ventured solo to China.

Her thoughtful engagement and eloquence made her a vibrant member of Toastmasters International. She was always ready with an eloquent speech or a heartfelt toast, offering words of insight and warmth on a wide range of occasions.

Despite her many accomplishments, Mary Katharine remained grounded in what she considered her life’s greatest achievement: raising five children who each became accomplished professionals. For her, this was the truest measure of a life well lived.

Mary Katharine is survived by her five children—Paul William Matson, Cynthia Matson Adams, Maureen Matson Kaehr, David Kevin Matson, and Charles Robert Matson—along with 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Alexander Matson, and brother, William Charles Geimer.

Mary Katharine will be remembered not only for her intellect and wit, but for the warmth, wisdom, and unwavering strength she brought to all who knew her.

A private Mass among immediate family, followed by entombment, will be held at Our Lady of Peace Chapel and Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Mary Katharine's name to The Little Sisters of the Poor.