Morris - MORRIS - Kathleen Emily (Brandow) Kodrich, 71, of Morris, went home to the Lord on Nov. 3, 2022, following the greatest battle she ever faced, dealing with lung cancer. Her nine lives were finally spent.

Kat, as she was known to her family and friends, was born May 30, 1951, the daughter of Maurice Brandow and Catherine M. Overbaugh. Her childhood years were spent in the quaint hamlet of Leeds, where she attended a two-room schoolhouse for grades K through 6. After that she went to much larger Catskill Junior-Senior High School, graduating in 1969. From there she went on to SUNY Delhi, graduating in 1971 with an associate degree.

It was at Delhi she met her husband, Ralph Anthony Kodrich, and they were married on Aug. 15, 1971, at the Leeds Reformed Church.

She worked several jobs before finally settling in at Morris Central School where she had a career of 35 years and continued to sub after her retirement.

Kat had a love for her family that knew no bounds, and her love for children was evidenced by those she came in contact with, sharing her life, passions, hobbies, and skills. Always a kid at heart, Kat progressed from playing in the dirt making mud pies decorated with wild flowers to a passionate love of gardening, watching things grow year after year. She hated waste and would hold over the plants she could, letting them go dormant and then bring them back to life for another season in the spring. Kat loved to cook, crochet, knit, fish, hunt, and was passionate about reading, always having a book with her whether she had a moment to read or not. "Be prepared" was her motto concerning books. While she hated driving and was directionally challenged, she loved the many bus trips she took with the Grange and friends. She also enjoyed many adventures with her daughter that brought her great joy.

She was a member of Morris United Methodist Church, Butternut Valley Rod and Gun Club, Otsego County Federation of Sportsmen, past Morris Volunteer Advanced EMT Critical Care for 17 years, and current Morris Fire Department Auxiliary member, having served since 1984. Each year at the Otsego County Fair Kat helped at both the First Aid Center while an AEMT and the Federation of Sportsmen area.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Jeanne Wayman; son-in-law, Alan Christopher Wayman; granddaughters, Kajee Iona Quick (Brianna) and Desiree Quick; great-grandsons, Venus and Elias Titus and their father, Dylan Titus; great-granddaughters, Mahrniana Zapata, Lacen Emaline Quick; sisters; Maureen (Johnston) Beach and Eileen (Pat) Murphy; sister-in-law; Ruth Williams; brother-in-law, William (Henrietta) Kodrich; numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Kat also is survived by her special forever reading buddy, Allison Worman, who has continued to be a blessed part of Kat's life.

Kat was predeceased by her beloved husband of 32 years, Ralph; parents; brother, Duane Brandow; aunts, uncles, and brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until noon, Wednesday, Nov. 16. Her funeral will follow at Morris Methodist Church with a celebration of her life reception to follow at Morris firehouse. Kat asked that folks be happy and share pieces of her life with others rather than be sad shedding too many tears. She is at peace now, resting in the hands of the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Morris Fire Auxiliary and Morris United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Johnston & Stanimer Funeral Home, Morris.