Each of us have special things that we will remember about Katie that will remain in our hearts through-out our lives . I would like to commemorate Katie, mom, by sharing some of the highlights that made her special. Growing Up Katie grew up on a farm near Wisner. She was the 4th of 6 daughters of farmers Henry and Clara Graber. Twins Margeret and Mary, departed sister Alice, and two younger sisters, Janet and Rita. As a young girl, Katie loved to share bedtime stories with her two younger sisters and to entertain them with her imagination. Once she help convince her younger sister Rita that the man on the children's talk show had a magic telescope that let him see into their living room. Katie preferred activities like fishing in Plum Creek to playing with dolls, a trait she would later pass on to her daughter Deb. Katie was always an independent person who wasn't afraid to go her own way. High School Katie was popular in high school and had many good friends. She was one of the Majorettes in the Wisner HS Band. Before her Junior year, Katie got a job working for the farmer lady who lived down the road. She made $1.00 a day. By the end of summer, she had $75.00 saved. The money was used to pay for school books and clothes. It set an appreciation for work and saving that followed her through her life. Katie was exited about her senior year, she was set to graduate with the class of the 49'rs. Unfortunately it wouldn't happen. Katie was in a tragic accident which would forever change her life forever. The driver was killed and Katie was severely injured. Katie fought hard to recover and graduated in 1950. Career The accident inspired Katie to become a caregiver, a role that would define the rest of her life. Katie took a job at the West Point Hospital as a nurses aid. While working in West Point, she met and married Wilfred Surman in 1952. Wilf, my dad, had a severe form of diabetes that required a lot of attention. Katie did her best to make sure Wilf ate properly and took good care of himself. She wasn't always successful, but most importantly she never stopped trying. Family Within 10 years after being married, Katie had 5 children, 4 boys and the youngest a girl named Debra. When she would get exited, sometimes she couldn't even remember all the boys names. That wasn't a problem for Katie, she'd just call us all Tom. Sometimes us kids could try her patience. We'd take turns hiding her prayer book at Church so she couldn't sing. When we told her the priest asked us to do it because she was a lousy singer, her sense of humor would show through. She'd laugh so hard that tears would come from her eyes. As time went on, Katie continued to show her devotion to taking care of others. Katie worked at the Somerset apartments taking care of the elderly. She also volunteered for meals on wheels. Katie loved to cook. One of her specialties was her deep fat fried chicken. It always seemed to attract a lot visitors. If you'd bring Katie a piece of gossip, she'd invite you to sit down with her and eat some of her delicious chicken. Katie had a great sense of humor. She loved when people joked with her and teased her. When we teased her that her laugh sounded like a cackling chicken, she'd laugh so hard we thought she was going to lay an egg. Final Years In her final years, Katie found it difficult to be on the receiving end of care-giver. Her daughter Debra stepped up more than any of us and made sure moms needs were taken care of and assure that Katie could hold on to her self dignity. I would like to recognize Debra for that today. Thank you Deb. I would often send mom cheese-cakes and roses. When I would call, she would joke and tell me that the doctor said that she needed some more cheese-cake because it was good for her bones. It was her cute little way of asking for more. We're all going to keep memories of Katie close to our hearts. I will always remember Katie for her qualities as a devoted wife, mother, caregiver, cook, and for her wild chicken cackle laugh. Nothing would make Katie happier than to have you smile or laugh when you think of her. One thing for sure, Katie was special and will never be forgotten.