Catherine Hatgil

Catherine (Kay) Hatgil born in September 11, 1924 departed on May 15, 2013. Kay was the wife of Professor emeritus Paul P. Hatgil and daughter of deceased Mr. & Mrs. George Haritos of Ipswich, Massachusetts. Kay attended the Ipswich public schools and briefly studied at the Burdett College of Business although her main interest was music.

While Paul was pursing his graduate studies in New York, Kay was employed by the Bendix Aviation Corporation in New Jersey. Residence in Austin, Texas began in 1951 following Paul's acceptance as an instructor at the University of Texas Fine Arts Department. Kay's outgoing personality and her ability in making friends begin to wear down her return to the cold land she experienced. She gained employment with the State Legislature, and later, for a period of twenty five years engaged in sales for a boutique. The construction of a contemporary residence in the hills of Westlake featured in the local media, and being among the residents to incorporate the Westlake Hills as a city reflected the attachment they soon developed for Austin and environs. Numerous sojourns to Europe during the summer months included visits to the homeland of her parents and a temporary residency in Greece following retirement. A year's residence in Greece, and with a great deal of leisure time, visits to many of the art museums and archeological sites in Greece became a daily event. Soon the couple yearned for their family attachments and returned to the US renewing old acquaintances and familiar places. Kay worked tirelessly campaigning for Michael Dukakis and Ike Eisenhower during their bid for the presidency.

She was one of the founders of the Greek Club, an early member of the Greek Orthodox Church and a member of Philoptochos, a church related organization whose purpose is to assist the poor and disfranchised. Kay was also affiliated with another worthy cause while enrolled in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The government sponsored organization offered boating education courses as well as patrolling inland waters. Kay acted as a proctor in the boating safety classes. While ill, she recounted her experiences in a wonderful life and prayed for health and happiness for others. She will be interred in the Ipswich, Massachusetts family burial plot.

Survivors include sister Sophie Nikas of Ipswich, sister in law Ann Koufos of Boston and numerous nephews and nieces. The Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church of Austin and Ipswich will accept donations in her memory.