Submitted by: Dan Rich

Katherine Ann Weist

Nov. 2, 1911 - Sept. 15, 2001

South Bend Tribune 9/23/2001

Katherine Ann Weist, age 89 years, who lived in South Bend for over 57 years, died in Bay City, Michigan, on Saturday, September 15, 2001, at her eldest son's home. She was a beautiful debutante, eldest born to the late Michael and Mary (Egresitz) Pilsitz on November 2, 1911, in Steelton, Pennsylvania. The move to South Bend was made in 1924 with attendance at Beisel School and graduation from Central High School.

In 1932 she met Gordon E. Weist of Mishawaka, Indiana, son of Guy and Gertrude Weist, and married in 1934. She became a part-time worker at Ball Band, then a full-time mother during World War II. She gave birth to four sons: J. Daniel (Mary Lu) of Bay City, Michigan, Gordon Jr. (Beverly) deceased 1996 in South Bend, Indiana, F. Peter of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Michael of Portland, Oregon. After her husband's death in November 1992, she continued to enjoy her 14 grandchildren: Greg (Christine), David (Katie), Debbie Murray, J. Daniel Jr., Katherine (Steve) Wieczorek, Pam (Bill) Boyle, Joseph (Carolyn), Laura (Dr. Ziad) Abbasi-Haddad, Michael, Mary (Michael) Hyslop, T.J. (Karen), Levi, Kaitlyn, Donovan; and also 23 great-grandchildren. God blessed her and her brother and sisters with a long life who still survive: Michael (Lisa) Pilsitz of Florida, Rosie (Joe) Smith of New Jersey, Helen (John) Finlay of Michigan, Mary Ann Balmer, Ann (Jack) Beery and Julie Pilsitz of Indiana.

Katherine enjoyed the good life with her family and loved to participate in church activities at St. Patrick's for 57 years. Her cremation will provide cremains for relatives at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Bay City, Michigan, and for being with her husband at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Mishawaka, Indiana.

A Memorial Service and Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church in South Bend, Indiana, Monday, September 24, beginning with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and M ass at 10 a.m. Katherine loved the Ave Maria and wanted all to hear it with her. In lieu of flowers, Katherine asked for contributions to be made to the St. Patrick's Project 2000 Fund. Welcome to Jesus' Home mom and grandmother. HE, your husband, one of your sons and one of your grandchildren, along with your friends are waiting for you. The Hickey Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of arrangements.