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Katherine Anna Soucek Bemis loved her children. She loved to dance, sing, play and laugh and she radiated joy when with her family and friends. Katherine was born in Lyons, IL on May 1, 1930, to her beloved parents, Vojtech (Albert James) Soucek and Katerina Anna Strnatka Soucek and was younger sister to Al, Jr. Katherine met Richard Bemis in 1951 at the University of Illinois and they were married in 1955. Their three children Richard George Jr., Laura Angela and Suzanna Kay, were her "pride and joy". She leaves each with a full heart and an appreciation of art, music, books, nature, education and good food. While Katherine cherished her solitude, she did not hesitate to open her home, heart and refrigerator to others. She befriended, housed and fed many other young people while raising her children and there are many who still call her "Mom". She became quick family with her children's spouses and partners, friends and their families and maintained a deep lifelong relationship with her best friend since third grade, Marijane (Bergman) Quartetti. The child of Czech immigrants, Katherine knew the value of hard work and determination. She earned her Masters in Education from University of Illinois and then taught elementary school in Illinois, Hawaii and California. In 1959, she and Richard moved to Albuquerque. Katherine received her Doctorate in Education at UNM in 1969; her proud children yelling "Yay Mom!" as she walked down the aisle to receive her diploma. She worked as an educational consultant in New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Alaska, Oklahoma and Arizona for over 40 years. She helped dozens of schools and programs obtain competitive funding through her grant writing. She worked as a professional evaluator to ensure educational quality in the programs and support for students, parents and teachers. She was known not only for her skills and professionalism, but also for the warmth and personal concern that she showed. Over the years, many of her colleagues became her close friends. She loved what she did and never retired. Katherine passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2009 and is now singing and dancing joyously in heaven. A celebration of her life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 at French Mortuary 10500 Lomas NE, followed by a reception at her house. Please visit our online guestbook for Katherine Bemis at www.RememberTheirStory.com. "The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings." French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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