Kathryn Jamison

Kathryn Houff Jamison, of Greensburg, left the family and friends who loved her Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. Kathryn, born Sept. 30, 1913, in Staunton, Va., was one of five children. In her words, she lived a "wonderful life," with 56 of the most wonderful years shared with her loving husband, Joseph Latta Jamison, who preceded her in death in 2001. After spending her childhood and teenage years in Staunton; she relocated with her family to Washington, DC, in 1928. A few years later, she accepted a position at the newly completed National Gallery of Art. A student of the classical organ and piano, she also performed in recitals and as an organist for church services in Washington. The pretty and popular Kathryn met her future husband, Joe, a Marine Corps Lieutenant, in 1944, at a USO dance. They wed Dec. 8, 1945, and honeymooned in New York City, an appropriate destination for two people who, for the next 50 years, seldom missed a family or friend's cocktail party or major social event in Greensburg. Kathryn was an original member of the Museum Women's Committee, and she and husband, Joe, were longtime members of the Greensburg Country Club. From 1947 through 1956, Kathryn bore three children. She raised us with great love and affection. Her love of music, art and travel; book-a-week reading habit; and progressive outlook kept her young in mind and spirit. She charmed us with a beautiful smile, easy laugh, witty remarks and recollection of fascinating stories drawn from the span of an entire century. Those of us who survive her include daughter Kathryn and husband, Raymond Blood, of Oakton, Va.; son, Joseph; daughter, Amanda and husband, Dale Jolley, and their daughter, Kate, of Decatur, Ga.; sister, Dorothy Kaisler; sister-in-law, Nancy Jamison; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and their children. Kathryn's family extends their thanks, also, to several dear Greensburg friends who stayed in touch, invited her to their homes and helped out whenever needed; and to several attentive and caring day healthcare providers, who were never able to convince her to use her cane when up and about or depend on them just a bit more. Friends and family will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday in the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, 524 N. Main St., Greensburg. Her children will hold a memorial service in the early Spring, which will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Humane Society of Westmoreland County PO Box 1552, Greensburg, PA 15601. Terence L. Graft, funeral director, entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences and information, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.

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