Submitted by: Dan Rich

Kathryn Ann P. Cosper

Oct. 28, 1936 - Nov. 30, 2007

South Bend Tribune 12/2/2007
SOUTH BEND - Kathryn Ann Payton Cosper, 71, a life-long resident of South bend, died unexpectedly at home on Nov. 30. Mrs. Cosper was born October 28, 1936, to the late Eugene J. Payton, professor of law at the University of Notre Dame and Indiana State Senator and the late Vallie (Messner) Payton. After graduating from St. Joseph's High School, she earned a bachelor's degree in education and art from St. Mary's College, and then a master's degree in education from Indiana University. Mrs. Cosper served as teacher of art and other subjects with School City of Mishawaka, the South Bend Schools, and several local private schools, before retiring as teacher in the GED/Adult Education program of the South Bend Schools at IVY Tech. In addition to working as art teacher, she had a long career as an artist and was a longtime member of Fiber Artisans, the local artists' group.

Kathryn Payton married the late David Watson Cosper in South Bend on June 15, 1965. She is survived by son, William Payton Cosper of Chicago and son, Thomas Sherman Cosper; daughter-in-law, Amy Herbruck Cosper; and grandsons, David Carl and Evan Daniel Cosper of Leesburg, Indiana. Also surviving are her sisters, Mary Alice Frantz of Santa Rosa, California, and Rita Jean Benear of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and their families. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Andrew Payton. Mrs. Cosper was a parishioner of Saint John of Damascus Melkite Catholic Church in South Bend and her faith and deep love for her family were the cornerstones of her life. Her family would appreciate gifts in her memory to her church or to any organization serving those in need.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 with a memorial service immediately following at Welsheimer Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Road.