Martha Kathryn Kuchan

(Née VeDepo) Passed into eternal life March 16, 2014, age 81. She was preceded in death by her parents Lois (Née Goodale) and Charles VeDepo; her brother Robert VeDepo; and her beloved husband Anthony Kuchan. Survived by her brother John (Midge) VeDepo; her children Mark Kuchan, Cathryn (George) Krall, Christine (Ian) Rotondi, Susanne (Jeff) Schaut and Jeanne Kuchan; her grandchildren Alexandra, Eliese, Daniel, Kayleigh, Abigail, Susanna, Martha, Cassidy, Spencer, George, and Samuel; her great grandchildren Sebastian, Eliza and Elaina.

Martha was born on November 8, 1932 in Iowa City, Iowa, the oldest of three children. She was also known as Martha Kay (or Kay) by many throughout her life. After graduating from St. Patrick High School in Iowa City, she attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. She met Anthony Kuchan while attending a college dance at St. Ambrose University, and they were married on May 9, 1953.

They enjoyed many wonderful years together, and celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary before Tony's passing in 2012. Raising children and creating a beautiful, happy home and life for herself and her family was her passion and her gift. Dedication to family and friends, church and faith, and a love of books and children were all mainstays of her life. For many years at St. Catherine Parish and school, she taught catechism classes, read to children, and was an usher for Sunday Mass.

She was called "Ben" by her eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and she delighted in every aspect of their lives. Family events and gatherings were always a top priority. She particularly enjoyed reading, babysitting, playing tennis, bridge, traveling, attending the theater, the symphony, and movies with Tony and their friends, as well as baking, cooking, entertaining, and decorating and improving their home.

She was bright, loving, friendly, kind, and generous. Always quick to smile and laugh, support and encourage, she touched and enriched the lives of so many. Martha, Mom, Ben, we are blessed that you were a part of our lives. Your warm, beautiful smile and gracious spirit will live in our hearts and memories forever.

Our deepest appreciation to all the good people who cared for her.

Visitation at the Funeral Home, Friday, April 4, 4:00-7:00 PM. Short Vigil to follow. Visitation also at ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA CATHOLIC CHURCH, 8661 North 76th Place, Saturday, April 5, 8:45-9:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 AM.

Memorials appreciated to COA Youth and Family Centers (coa-yfc.org), The Center for Communication, Hearing & Deafness (cchdwi.org), or St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church. (saintcatherinealexandria.org)