Katharina Forthuber

April 26, 1925 - November 12, 2016

Katharina Forthuber (also known as Oma or Katy to her family and friends) went to be with our Lord on November 12, 2016 at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Herbert Forthuber. Katy was born on April 26, 1925 to Johann and Maria Fisslthaler in Lochen, Austria. She spent her formative years growing up in her beloved village of Hallwang. She met her future husband Herbert when they were apprentices at the same company. They married in 1951 in St. Peter’s Church in Salzburg. Katy and Herbert emigrated to Minnesota in May 1960 with their five-year old son Herbert and were graciously sponsored by three wonderful families in White Bear Lake – the Hogans, Minsers, and Maxwells. Their second son Fred was born three years later. Katy found great joy as a teacher’s aide for grade school children and had a special gift in helping immigrant children excel in learning English, which was a direct result of her own experience. Katy moved to Houston, Texas in 2004 after the passing of her husband and lived next door to her son Fred and his family. She enjoyed walking her granddaughters to elementary school and cooking for her family. In her final days she resided at Eagle’s Trace Continuing Care where she made many friends and was cared for by their loving and dedicated staff. Katy loved to read, garden, cook, hike and to feed and watch the birds – especially the purple martins. She was a great role model and we will miss her down to earth wisdom and wonderful outlook on life. She taught us that fulfillment in life does not come from fame or fortune, but in relationships with others and finding joy in simple things. Katy is survived by sons Herbert (Lynne) Forthuber, Fred (Susan) Forthuber, granddaughters Chelsea, Angela, Jessica, grandsons Gregory, Russell and siblings in Austria: Hans Fisslthaler, Franz Fisslthaler and Grete Hofer. A Memorial Mass for Katy will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church (Activity Center), 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rosary Hill Home, 600 Linda Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532.