Katherine A. Fisher

Katherine A. Fisher, 71, of Massillon, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Her loss sent shockwaves through her family, circle of friends, and a wider community of former students and colleagues. Kathy lived boldly, loved fiercely, and gave of herself freely. She was a loyal friend, devoted daughter, beloved sister, and perhaps most proudly, “Auntie Mame” to two nephews whose lives she helped to shape. Born August 21, 1949 to the late Richard and Marcella (Wetzel) Fisher, Kathy graduated from Washington High School in 1967. She received a BS in Education from Kent State (1971) and an MFA in Theatre Management from the University of Akron (1995). Kathy’s career as a public educator spanned 35 years at Highland High School in Medina, OH, where she taught English, American Literature, History, and Theatre. Known to many of her theatre students simply as “Fish,” Kathy directed hundreds of plays and musicals at Highland (some of which she also wrote), and between 1976 and 2011, built a theatre department that influenced a generation of students – many of whom still work in the arts today. In 1995, Kathy founded KATFISH Productions of Northeast Ohio, a non-profit theatre company whose mission was to provide an inclusive theatre experience for performers and technicians living with disabilities. During the height of its activity, KATFISH produced inclusive productions all over Northeast Ohio, including “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” “Auntie Mame,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and “Gypsy,” all of which Kathy directed. More than anything, Kathy was devoted to her family, keeping holiday traditions and making new memories with those closest to her. She was an avid traveler who relished new adventures and saw the world with her parents, sister, and nephews. Later in her parents’ lives, Kathy took on a new role as their caregiver, demonstrating the kindness and generosity of spirit that defined her life. After retiring in 2011, she spent more time traveling, going as far as Alaska, and taking frequent trips to visit her nephews in Florida. At the time of her passing, she was in the process of making plans to start a new chapter in Florida later this year. She is survived by her sister, Mary Fisher Parrish, of Columbus, OH; brother-in-law, Jeff L. Parrish, Sr., also of Columbus, OH; nephews Jeffrey L. Parrish, Jr. and Jason Parrish (James Farley), both of Fort Myers, FL; and thousands of students whose lives she touched over her 35-year career as an educator and theatre director. Kathy lived her life to the fullest and blazed a trail wherever she went. She had a fierce sense of humor and was quick to laugh. Her joi de vivre was contagious, and though her passing is deeply felt, she would not want us to dwell in sadness. She would remind us that she lived a rich life and that her legacy lives on in her students, colleagues, friends, and beloved sister and nephews. The family will receive guests at the Paquelet Funeral Home on Sunday, May 23, from 2-4 PM. The family asks that masks be worn indoors, and that social distancing be observed as much as possible. The daughter of a lifelong Massillon florist, Kathy loved flowers, and they are welcome. Messages celebrating Kathy’s life may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory (330) 833-3222 08