Kathryn Theresa Derby
January 22, 1928 – May 30, 2021
Survived by children: Kathryn Sue Wolf (Ron), Frank Derby, Jr. (Cheryl), James Derby, Peg Block (Dean), Diane Jirka (Joe), Teresa Menzies (John), Lisa Stevens (Marc); 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren.
VISITATION: Thursday, June 3rd from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel with Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard Presentation followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, June 4th at 10:30am at St James Catholic Church, 4710 N. 90th Street. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.
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Kathryn Theresa (Harmer) Derby, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away with her family at her side on Sunday, May 30, 2021, at the age of 93 after a brief illness. 
She was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Frank C. and Theresa Harmer. Kathryn graduated from Omaha North High School, followed by St. Catherine’s School of Nursing, and married USAF Staff Sgt. Frank N. Derby on November 24, 1951. He was the love of her life.
Soon thereafter, while working at Children’s Hospital during the polio epidemic, she contracted the disease which would have lasting effects throughout the rest of her life. But Kathryn never gave up, never allowed it to defeat her and never let it diminish her deep and abiding faith.
The couple had 7 children, 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and were married for 61 wonderful years until Frank preceded her in death in 2012. She would spend the rest of her life profoundly missing him while remaining a constant source of light, love, and inspiration to her family.
Kathryn is survived by her children: Kathryn Sue Wolf (Ron) and children: Tim, Julie, Lisa, Luke, Katherine Jean; Frank Derby, Jr. (Cheryl) and children: Jeff, Michelle, Laura, Brian; James Derby and children Ben, Julie; Peg Block (Dean) and children: Heather, Adam, Josh; Diane Jirka (Joe); Teresa Menzies (John) and children Tess, Sophie; Lisa Stevens (Marc), and children Nick and Zach.
She is survived by great-grandchildren: Paxton and Rylan Barr, Skylar and Westin Thiel, Kaden and Trey Tomjack, Zander, Zaden, Zavyer, Zevan, Zethan Wolf, Samara , Wesson, Kalum Derby, Evelyn and Caleb Holmberg, Leah and Elizabeth Kleinschmit, David and Lillian Derby, Joelle, Jameson, Matt, and Josh Meyer.
This is not the end, but merely a brief “Good-bye Mom, we’ll see you later.” Now it is our turn to go forward, to move beyond the grief and embrace the blessing of having had such a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to live life to the fullest and carry on the legacy she leaves behind.
4 Comments
Sorry Kate and family 💔💔😢
With sincere sympathy for your loss
Our most heartfelt condolences to the family on the loss of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Many condolences and prayers to the Derby Family. I have fond memories of Katheryn. My grandparents lived across the street from the Derbys for years. She spent many sunny days sitting infront of the house, watching us neighbor kids riding bikes up and down the street and playing the hours away. She would wave and smile and exchange pleasantries with my grandmother as Frank tended to the yardwork meticulously. We played pool in their basement and hide and seek in their yard. They were wonderful people and will always have a place in my heart. Rest well Katheryn.
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