Katherine Shirley Kuligowski

Katherine Shirley Crowley Kuligowski, 67, passed away in the early morning hours of January 3, 2014, with her husband of 18 years, Edward, at her side.

Kathy was born on January 25, 1946, in Hastings, Nebraska to the late John J. and Clelia Crowley, both of Hastings. Kathy lost her brother, Michael Crowley, of Norfolk, Nebraska, in 1995.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Edward Kuligowski, of Elgin, Texas, and her sister, Jacky Crowley Jaycox, of Liberty, Missouri.

Kathy graduated from St. Cecilia Catholic High School in Hastings, Nebraska in 1964. She later studied accounting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Kathy lived and worked in Norfolk, Lincoln, and Omaha until 1989, when she moved to Austin, Texas, where she worked in software quality assurance for Galileo International through 1999. Kathy married Edward Kuligowski in Austin on November 3, 1995. In 2001, Ed and Kathy moved to Elgin, Texas, where they found great friends and numerous social activities in the beautiful, wooded development of The Arbors at Dogwood Creek. In their home, they enjoyed entertaining, cooking, gardening, and caring for the seven cats Kathy rescued over the years.

In retirement, Kathy served as the Chair of The Arbors Welcome Committee and the President of the Neighborhood Association, while also working with the Elgin Extension Club. She also earned the rank of Commander in the Nebraska Navy. Kathy was a tireless organizer, always planning events for friends and family to gather and to enjoy one another. Kathy, along with Ed, hosted Turkey Fest, an annual gathering for friends and family that marked its 43rd celebration in 2013.

Kathy was a beloved aunt to eight nieces and nephews and fifteen grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom she loved to spoil with hugs and presents. To her Texas family, Kathy was known affectionately as “Tia.”

Kathy was also a trusted and compassionate friend. Kathy and Ed entertained at their house or gathered at neighbors’ homes frequently. Kathy was a great cook, a great storyteller, and a great listener. She modeled acceptance and love in all that she did. No one who spent time with her will forget her tremendous laugh or her playful, sometimes sarcastic, sense of humor. Kathy never forgot a birthday or a special event. She thought of others constantly and loved nothing more than taking care of friends and family. Kathy cherished her husband Ed and all of her family and friends, both near and far. They all cherished her in return and will miss her deeply.

Funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on 302 West 11th Street in Elgin, Texas, at 10:00 am on Monday, January 13, 2014. A visitation and rosary will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, January 12, 2014, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home, located at 604 Highway 95 North, Elgin, Texas. Flowers and other condolences may be sent to the funeral home. Additionally, due to Kathy’s love of animals and her passion for rescuing cats, Kathy’s family welcomes donations made on her behalf to Austin Pets Alive, a no-kill organization. To do so, donate online at www.austinpetsalive.org/donate or call (512) 961-6519.