Obituary of Katie Kraft

Katie Kraft, (AKA Marilyn Kraft), 86, of Santa Cruz, passed away December 30, 2021 with her family by her side. She is survived by her sons Victor and Vincent, 5 grandchildren, and brother Allen Duff. She was born in Hodgdon, Maine on August 10, 1935. She spent her childhood in a loving home with her 7 siblings and parents, Kenneth and Hazel Duff. Adventurous in spirit, Katie traveled across the country in her early 20’s to the golden state, eventually settling in Santa Cruz, California. Katie’s passion for fashion inspired her early work as a local clothing model in the late 1950s, eventually sharing the runway with her two young sons. Her ardor of fashion was second to her love for children and literacy. She began her nearly 30 year library career serving the students and teachers of Santa Cruz Unified School District, primarily at Natural Bridges Elementary. Her impact on the community was evident in the constant appreciative encounters of former students, teachers and fellow educators. Katie was an accomplished sewist, quilter, and ballroom dancer. She had a daring spirit and always found opportunities to travel, meet people, see places and do new things. She was an outstanding cook known to host elegant parties in which guests were lavished with fine drinks and delicacies. Katie was an exceptional mother and grandmother, giving unrelenting love, fierce advocacy and unyielding belief in her family. Her greatest joy and legacy are reflected in the kind and wonderful individuals she shaped as the matriarch. She will be deeply missed. Katie’s family invites family and friends to join them in Santa Cruz on February 19, 2022 for an offered mass at the Shrine of Saint Joseph, 544 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA (11:00 am -12:00 pm) followed by a Celebration of Life at The Inn at Pasatiempo, 555 CA-17, Santa Cruz, CA (12:30 pm -4:00 pm).