Katherine M Cross

Katherine (Katie) Miriam Cross was born March 16, 1942 in Philadelphia to Edward and Florence (Graff) Cross. Edward was a widower with two older children, Edward and Nancy.

The family spent summers in Ocean City, NJ. Kathie's parents raised her to be fiercely independent and intellectually curious. The most significant event of her youth was the death of her father when she was 16.

She graduated from Frankford High School and then received a BA from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, and an MSW from Rutgers University.

Kathie taught high school English for several years before then living and working for six years in a Christian community in Switzerland (L'Abri). Her time in Europe developed in Kathie a sensitivity to cultural differences which she later brought to her social work with children and families in Philadelphia.

She made her career of 27 years with the Department of Human Services in the City of Philadelphia. She began as a social worker, then after several promotions became one of the agency Directors. Her most significant work was with the adoption program, ensuring permanent homes for children in foster care through adoption.

She was recognized for her adoption work when she was named Pennsylvania's Adoption Professional of the Year. She was also recognized by the Pennsylvania State Senate, the House of Representatives and the Philadelphia City Council.

After moving to Willow Valley in 2015, she volunteered with the AARP Tax Aide group. She also was on the Resident Council, and served as the Chairperson for part of that time.

Kathie traveled to England, Scotland, Wales, France, Norway, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Iceland and the Netherlands as well as extensively in the US. She said that she always visited local grocery stores as that gave her more of a sense of local culture.

Throughout her adult life Kathie was active in her church and sought to integrate her Christian values into all aspects of her life. After moving to Lancaster she became a member of St. James Church. As she struggled over the past year with her cancer diagnosis and treatment she appreciated the support she received from both members and clergy of St. James.

Her hobbie included knitting, photography and following politics.

She is survived by serveral cousins, including Linda Tebbs of Easton, MD and Margaret Perkins of Portland, ME, her sister-in-law Connie Cross of Berlin, NJ, five nephews and three nieces, friends far and wide, especially Greg Schopp, and her beloved dog, Sweet Pea.