It is with deep sadness that the family and friends of Kathleen “Kassie” Strawcutter George, announce her passing on Tuesday, May 15th, 2018. Kassie was 66 years old and died from complications of Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Kassie devoted her life to making the world a better place. Her loving, maternal nature was felt around the world. When her daughters were young, Kassie dedicated herself to their upbringing. She taught Sunday School and preschool, volunteered as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and took her girls to countless dance and gymnastic events.
After being a missionary in Haiti for several years, working with orphaned children, Kassie spent her career assisting adults with developmental disabilities by helping them meet the challenges of daily life. She was an “almost” founding member of the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus by joining during its second year. She spent 22 years with the IWC, where she sang beautifully. She ran the childcare program at the National Women’s Music Festival for many years. Her love for corgis led her to found the annual Midwest Corgi Picnic in 2012. This fundraiser for CorgiAid has now raised thousands of dollars. Kassie was also a member of the Sacred Path Unitarian Universalist Church in Indianapolis.
Kassie’s accomplishments in life are plenty, but most of all, her friends and family will always treasure her joy, her kind and generous support of her loved ones, her beautiful smile, and her wonderful laugh.
Kassie is preceded in death by her parents, “Cutter” and Louise Strawcutter. She is survived by her wife Joni, her daughters Jeanette George and Michal George Lahey (husband Jeff Lahey), her grandchildren Melissa Lahey (fiancé Bryan Wesley), Mathew Lahey, and Justin Lahey, her great granddaughter Aria Wesley, her sister Marian Gill, and her ex-husband (father of her children) Jim George. Kassie will also be cherished with love by numerous cousins, extended family, in-laws, and friends.
A celebration of Kassie’s life will be held this Saturday, May 19th at 12:00 PM, with visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM. Both will be held at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, 46250. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the Polycystic Kidney Foundation (PO Box 871847 Kansas City, MO 64187) or CorgiAid (2108 N. 38th Street Seattle, Washington 98103).
Rose Renner says
I have told many that Kassie was the only one I trusted to take my daughter to St Louis with her girls for a dance contest. She was also my Charis’ Brownie leader. I thought the world of Kassie. She will be missed ♥
Connie Laubach says
Kassie was a force of goodness. So many accomplishments throughout her life, making the world a better place. Her laughter will ring out, I have no doubt. One only has to listen closely.
Judi says
From a light on earth to a star in heaven. Peace and love to her family- Judi H
Jenny Austin says
Kassie was a light and a song in the darkness when I most needed them.
Mary Elizabeth says
I can’t wait to see her with her wings❤️❤️❤️❤️
Allison says
Kassie’s was a beautiful lady inside and out. She had such a caring spirit. This caring spirit showed so much in her job, where I got to know her for several years. It was a privelege to know her. Praying for Joni and all the family members.
Jean Capler says
My life was changed for the better by my friendship with Kassie and I am so grateful to have had her in my life. She was so filled with life and always so grounded in hope, even when life was hard and hope was hard to find. Her heart was so strong and so filled with love for her family and friends and four-legged family… We all will miss her deeply, yet we all carry her love with us. Thank you, Kassie George, for being my friend. I love you…
Hal Stedman says
Kassie is singing with the Angels now and running with all our corgis. So many will never forget your friendship, love, laughter and courage. What a beautiful legacy. You and your Dear Family have my prayers. Oh how you were loved.
Gloria Holmes says
I will never forget Kassie’s beautiful smile, her laughter and how happy she made my sister, Joni.
Thank you Kassie. Love you, Glor
Barbra says
Kassie was remarkable. She left this world far to soon but the good she did and the love she gave will brighten our lives forever.
Doris says
Kassie was an amazing woman who brightened the lives of everyone she met. Remembering her wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts.
Marissa says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I too have felt the pain of losing some of those I love in death. I hope you are being surrounded by loving family and friends and taking care of yourself during this difficult time. The God of all comfort provides hope for those who have passed away and comfort for those who have survived. We are promised that our loved ones will return to us one day very soon. As Jesus resurrected his friend, Lazarus, and many others, you will see your loved one again. (John 5:28, 29) How the True God longs to do that! (Job 14:14, 15). Until then, may we continue to keep their memory warm in our hearts until we see them happy and healthy again one day very soon. Prayers and thoughts are with you . . .
Sue Robinson says
Kassie was my “secret friend” during one of the very first years I sang with the IWC. I still have the many sweet little “secret” gifts she gave me, and I smile each time I see them. She was a wonderful singer and just an all around good person. My heartfelt prayers for comfort are with you, Joni, and to all who loved Kassie (and they are many). The world will miss her very much, but heaven is rejoicing!
Margaret Gilbride says
My heart aches for the world’s loss. Kassie’s influence extended far beyond anyone’s measure. May the many seeds of goodness, kindness, compassion and regard for all that she sowed continue to thrive and grow.
Rena Kay Westfall says
I worked with Kassie at Stonebelt. She was an amazing lady . Loved by so many, with a never ending smile and love for her Corgis. Fly high and sing loud. Prayers of comfort for family.
Angie Ehlers says
I am really going to miss her. She was a great supervisor. I’m going to miss debating about Purdue vs. Indiana.
Grace Starcke says
Her beautiful voice, beautiful smile and kind demeanor brought light to me any day I saw her.
Rev. Stephen Sinclair says
I had the good fortune and great honor of being Kassie’s pastor for the two years I was the minister at the UU Church of Indianapolis. Even with the challenges she faced, Kassie was energetic and always ready to be of service. She and Joni showed me great kindnesses and were big fans of my dog, Arthur, who died my last weekend at the church. May Kassie’s memory be a blessing.
Lindsey says
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Kassie. The passing away of a loved one is always with much sorrow. May we have faith and confidence in the Bible’s promise of a time when pain, sickness and death are a thing of the past (Revelation 21:3, 4). My condolences are with the family at this difficult time.