Catherine "Cathy" Kraft

Catherine Kraft, age 70, of Massillon, passed away on November 2, 2022 after a courageous battle against Alzheimer’s Disease. Born November 13, 1951 in Massillon to Wilbur and Eileen (Bresson) Brown, Cathy was the third oldest of her parent’s seven children. Growing up, she was a loving daughter, sister, and niece.

A lifelong resident of Massillon, Cathy graduated from St. Mary Catholic School and in 1970, from Tuslaw High School. While at Tuslaw, Cathy served as her class Treasurer, placed 3rd in the State for First-Year Bookkeeping and participated in many school and church extracurriculars. After graduation, she worked as an operator at Ohio Bell.

Cathy married her husband of 49-years, Edward “Bud” Kraft Jr, and had three children: Paula (David) Stewart, Jacqueline (Michael) Knight, and Edward “Bud” Kraft III. As a loving wife and mother, she devoted her life to her family in raising her children and assisted her husband run the family plumbing business, managed several rental properties, and served as an officer in several school and sports organizations.

The family believed she never met a stranger. She could talk to anyone. Regardless of the setting, Cathy enjoyed socializing. She looked forward to spending time with her lunch club, card club, and attending mass as a member of St. Mary. Cathy also expressed her love for children as an Aunt, Godmother, and Grandmother. In her later years, she enjoyed interacting with her grandchildren (Caleb and Jori Knight, and Samantha Stewart) and traveling with the family. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and several in-laws. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, a large extended family, and many more whom she considered family.

Calling hours will be held at Paquelet Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 8th from 5-7 PM and again on Wednesday at 9:00am at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday, November 9th at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy’s name either to St. Mary Church or the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater East Ohio.