Mary Katherine Jordan
Mary Katherine “Kathy” Jordan left this world on January 18, 2011 after a courageous battle with a long term illness. She passed peacefully and was surrounded by her five children and Gary Jordan; her devoted husband of nearly 41 years. Born Mary Katherine Holloway on April 24, 1927 in Emporia, Kansas, she is preceded in death by parents Ira Sankey and Bessie Ellen (Lewis) Holloway, and brothers Richard Claire and Dale Ernest, and sister Ellen Elaine Foy.
Kathy was married to her first love Albert Weiler in 1947 in Denver, CO. They began their young married life in Delta, CO and then moved on to raise their children in Lisbon, Oakes, and then Enderlin, ND. With a dream and their household of five children ranging in ages 16 years to 3 months, Al and Kathy ventured west to Southern California in 1964. Sadly, Al passed away suddenly in 1965, but Kathy’s fortitude allowed the family to move forward and live the dream that she and Al had for their family. In 1970 Kathy married an extraordinary man and her second love; Gary Jordan. Gary and Kathy lived in Costa Mesa until retiring to Murrieta, CA in 1983.
Her children blessed Kathy and Gary with 12 grandchildren and 5 great- grandchildren who will miss her and hold her memory dear. She is survived by her younger brother Raymond of Novato, CA; daughters, Karla, (married to Ivan Cook) of Mountain View, HI; Rebecca (married to Jeff Van Brunt) of Colbert, WA; and Marget (married to Brad Baron) of San Jose, CA; sons, Kit Weiler (married to Sandy Cook) of Parker, CO; and Doug Weiler (married to Claudia Nash) of Plano, TX.
Kathy’s strong early faith honed a keen mind. She was an exceptional bridge player, an avid reader, tenacious crossword puzzler, surprising NASCAR fan, and would never miss an opportunity for a good political debate. She volunteered in her North Dakota years as PTA President and Cub Scout Den Mother, and more recently as a hospital volunteer in Murrieta, CA. She loved to bowl and enjoyed trying new activities with friends. She was a good cook and a generous and gregarious hostess. Friends and family always enjoyed being in the circle of one of her parties. She lived well and was well loved. And so it was with heavy hearts that we said goodbye on a stunningly clear January afternoon when Mary Katherine Holloway-Weiler-Jordan’s spirit soared to join departed family and friends. She is now joyfully dancing with angels. Her presence in our lives will be profoundly missed. A celebration and remembrance of her life will be held for family and friends at a later date. Donations welcomed in Kathy’s memory for the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, or the American Cancer Society.