Catherine "Kay" Stadtmiller

Catherine “Kay” Louisa Stadtmiller, 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29 at her home in Derby, Vermont. She was born February 20, 1943, to Leo and Catherine Stadtmiller in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where her father was stationed with the U.S. Army during World War II.

Kay's family returned to their home in Indianapolis, Indiana after the war concluded. There she attended St. Andrew the Apostle Elementary School and Scecina and St. Mary’s high school. One year during this time she lived in Phoenix, Arizona where she developed an interest in Native Americans, especially the Navajo tribe near her home.

After high school Kay joined the working world as a secretary, legal aide, and manager in various organizations in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA. During this time she pursued further learning and developed an interest in needlework, including obtaining a patent for a thread winder.

After moving to Wyoming, Kay earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in geography and communications at the age of 59. She also continued to pursue her interest in Native American history, ecology and needlework design. At that time, she also explored her family history on her mother’s side. In doing so, she discovered that she is a direct descendant of Richard Warren, who sailed the Atlantic to the United States on the Mayflower ship. Subsequently, she joined the Mayflower Society of descendants of the Mayflower Passengers.

Kay's interests were numerous – American history, needle handicraft arts, and Native American history interested her most.

Following her adventurous time in Wyoming, Kay returned to the East Coast, settling in Vermont with its beautiful mountains.

Kay was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, whose atoning sacrifice was the foundation of her hope for eternal life.

She loved attending Church and watching the children. Every year the children’s organization, called Primary, has an annual program. The children sing various songs that they have learned, and it is always entertaining. This performance was one of Kay's favorite times of the year. Being social and active for friendship and fellowship was part of who she was.

Kay was baptized into the Church on October 20. 2001 and she was Endowed at the Boston Temple on January 28, 2003.

Kay spent several holidays with the Cochran family in Walden, VT. She participated in large Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations and loved to be with friends.

For the last years of her life, Kay lived with her beloved caretaker, Aimee Bonin, in Derby. They spent countless hours outside in nature, listening to music, watching the neighbors, and telling stories. Driving around Northern Vermont enjoying the scenery was a favorite pastime. Kay was delighted with the purple trees and was always excited to count and point them out. The drives almost always included ice cream or donuts. Kay often reminisced about her parents owning an ice cream shop where she worked as a young adult. She considered herself an ice cream expert.

Kay had a wonderful circle of friends and caregivers that will truly miss her. Sheila Santaw and Kay had a very special friendship, sharing the same passion for the color purple, prayers, scriptures and chocolate.

Kay touched the lives of many with her profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, curiosity, and gregarious, quick-witted outgoing nature. She had an inquiring mind and a mischievous spirit! Everyone around her knew why Santa had three gardens. She had the most beautiful smile, and gorgeous white hair, which she was so proud of. Her most extraordinary talent was finding joy in small things. She enjoyed collecting trinkets and loved to play “show and tell”.

Kay attended The Meeting Place where she was surrounded by friends that shared her love of word puzzles, crafts, music, and dessert.

Kay had a deep affection for all animals, especially her feline companions. She was known to those close to her as the pet whisperer. It was not unusual to find all the cats and dogs cuddled in bed with her. They were drawn to her kind spirit and they provided her with so much joy.

She will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten.

Catherine is survived by her daughter, Heidi Forsyth and her husband John, Batavia, IL and her sister, JoAnne Calderone and husband Scott, Annapolis, MD. She also leaves behind three grandsons, four great grandsons and several nieces and nephews.

Catherine was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Catherine Stadtmiller, and her Brother Leo Stadtmiller.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Kay’s memory to consider a donation to The Meeting Place, 100 2nd Street, Newport, VT 05855.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.