Katherine Reinwand

Katherine "Katie" Reinwand, age 95, passed peacefully on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Folsom, CA. From her birth in New York on June 1, 1921 to her death on Sunday she dedicated her life to family and friends, education, and volunteer work as a docent for the Sacramento Zoo. Katie was born in New York to William and Louise (Joyner) McKee, and was the younger sibling to sister, Betty (Elizabeth?). Katie's family moved several times during her childhood including New York, Panama, Minnesota and Washington. After graduating from high school in Minnesota, she attended college in Washington where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority, and met and married her late husband and lifelong friend, Elmer "Al" Diedesch. Katie and Al were married for 28 years and raised their family settling in Davis, CA. Katie began her lifelong journey as a California educator, nurturing and inspiring many children, but her greatest gift of all was to inspire a love for reading - which she accomplished with her students and her own grandchildren. Katie was briefly married to Jack Reinwand, a beloved and well-known teacher and administrator, until his sudden and tragic death at age 53. After Katie's career in teaching for over two decades, she retired and dedicated her time and talent as a docent for the Sacramento Zoo, until approximately age 91. Over these decades, she devoted her time visiting elementary schools with the Zoo Mobile and hosting informational sessions in the Interpretive Center. Her friend, Robbie, an Eclectus Parrot, came to visit her and carry on lively conversations after she was no longer able to drive. Katie lived a vibrant life enjoying many years of world travel, scuba diving, cross country skiing, quilting and gardening. Deeply loved and greatly admired by her family, Katie also made many lifelong friends with whom she enjoyed to her last days. Katie is survived by her children Mary Kay Hill, Allison DeArkland, and Jon (Barbara) Diedesch, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Katie was preceded in death by her parents, sister Betty, former husbands Al Diedesch and Jack Reinwand, and son William. Katie will be remembered as a loving, compassionate, and vibrant person who could be counted on for her support, advocacy, and wisdom and who was always there when needed. Our family would like to extend a warm thank you to Oakmont Assisted Living in Folsom, CA where Katie was a resident for the past year. Their loving care, compassion and professional service were greatly appreciated.

A vigil will be held Wednesday, July 27 at 5 pm, Smith Funeral Home, 116 D Street, Davis, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10 am at St. James Catholic Church, 1275 B Street, Davis, CA. Guests are invited to join family and friends for a lunch reception following the service.

Memorial donations in memory of Katie may be made to the Interpretive Center at the Sacramento Zoo either online at www.saczoo.org or by calling (916) 808-5888.

---

Previous Events

Vigil Service
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, July 28, 2016

---