Laraine T. (Llma) Katz

KATZ, Laraine Theresa Age 65, beloved wife for twenty-five years of Herbert, died peacefully in her Falmouth home on August 6, 2012 after an eight-month struggle with cancer.

She is survived by her brother, Michael Lima and his family; her son Corey Katz and his family; and by her step-sons, Jerry Katz, Chuck Katz and Rick Katz and their respective families. Laraine Katz was the greatly beloved grandmother of twelve. She is remenbered by a legion of friends and admirers.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Laraine moved to Somerset, MA as a child. Her family owned two Italian restaurants that were centers of lively family and neighborhood interaction. Graduating from Somerset High School, Laraine attender nursing school and attained her LPN degree. She worked as a nurse for several years and then, capitalizing on her innate artistic abilities, began to design kitchens for builders.

She went to work for Herb Katz, owner of General Builders Supply Co. A working relationship blossomed into love and marriage and Laraine and Herb married in 1987. When Laraine demonstrated that she could bring in $1 million dollars in kitchen sales in a one-year period, a goal Herb thought impossible, he agreed to let her 'retire' to pursue her many other interest. Mission accomplished in the first year.

Laraine attended the art school of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts and studied sculpture in Italy. She was a gifted painter, sculptor, ceramicist and seamstress. She was also an extraordinary cook who relished opportunities to produce meals for large family gatherings.

Describing his stunning beautiful wife, Herb said that she would light up a room when she entered. Laraine loved challenges and would move from one accomplishment to the next. In 2000 she authored Affairs of Life, a work of autobiographical fiction. In recent months she had completed a training course to become a destination-wedding planner for resorts in Mexico.

When one of her grangchildren was asked what he would take to a desert island, he was quick to respond, 'Nana Laraine! She would catch animals for food, and then make their skins into clothing. She'd build us a house and all the furniture and then she'd make art for all the walls.'

Laraine and Herb built a home in Falmouth in 1996 and devided their year between the Cape and the mountains of New Hampshire where they enjoyed skiing. They enjoyed international travel through the decades. They were active and enthusiastic members of the Falmouth Yacht Club where Laraine held an officer's position. She was a cherished and vivacious presence who will be greatly missed by her devoted family and her many friends and admirers.

A memorial service was held Thursday, August 9th at 11:30 A.M. in the Meeting House of the Falmouth Jewish Congregation, 7 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Laraine's menory may be made to St. Jude Children;s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905, Falmouth Jewish Congregation, 7 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth, MA 02536 or to a charity of one's choice.