Katherine Drew

Katherine “Kate” Drew entered this world on February 17, 1949 and she ended her long, astounding, and painful journey with cancer on September 28, 2022. She always said she would fight it until the finish line. She did up until her very last breath and is now in everlasting peace.

Kate was a lover of nature, art, geology, astronomy, music, plants, gardening, and could often be found hiking in the woods with a pair of binoculars. Her massive, lush, blooming gardens would stop traffic. She was an avid bird watcher and excellent at identifying plants and animals. Kate loved to study astronomy and would impress everyone with her knowledge and ability to identify constellations. She found joy in every plant (even weeds), every flower and every bloom. She watered her plants like one would water their soul. She was separated by distance from her daughter, grandchildren, and later in life, her son. She would tell her family to look at the light of the moon to stay connected to them and say “the moon is never boring.”

She spent over 20 years working in Education wearing many hats. She was a Teaching Assistant. Her specialty was Special Education, Art and she completed some additional schooling for Dyslexia. She would go above and beyond by showing up early and staying late with compassion for her students and co-workers. She was loved by all, and despite her health issues, was often seen dancing in the halls and making the other teachers and students smile and laugh.

Her circle was small, but solid. Like the phases of the moon, she made the world go round. Kate enjoyed visits to Arizona to see her son. She was known to extend her trips just a little longer. She also enjoyed visiting her daughter and grandchildren in South Dakota where she finished the final chapter of life.

Grateful for sharing her life are her son, Johnny Drew of Sedona, Arizona; daughter, Daisy (Terry) Johnston of Sioux Falls, SD and two grandchildren, Zach and Faith, along with some very special friends.

A special thank you to the amazing staff at Ava's House and Sanford Home Health that went above and beyond to care for Kate and keep her comfortable the last nine days of her life. Also, a special thank you to the physicians at Sanford that provided guidance while her daughter provided end of life care for her at home.

Celebration of Life to be determined at a later date.