Katharine Ann “Kathy” Birge, 89, of North Manchester, died on Tuesday May 5, at her home. She was born Sept. 20, 1925 in Hartford, Connecticut to John Kingsley and Anna (Harlow) Birge.

Kathy was a graduate of Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio and received her Bachelor of Divinity degree from Hartford Theological Seminary. She was at one time a religion and art editor for Hartford Current Newspaper, was the director of the pre-school at Hartford’s Asylum Hill Congregational Church, and then taught second grade for over 20 years years at the American Community School in Istanbul, Turkey. After retirement, she moved to North Manchester and has been a resident since 1987. Kathy attended Manchester Church of the Brethren. She enjoyed flowers, theater, reading, writing, bridge, and visiting with friends and family. Kathy was an author and poet, and her poetry often appeared in the News Journal in North Manchester.

Kathy is survived by her sister: Dorothy “Dee” (Robert S.) Birge Keller, Brattleboro, Vermont; nieces and nephews: Karen (Donald M.) Keller Horn, Portland, Oregon; Kathryn (James E. “Jed”) Keller Butterfield, Richmond, New Hampshire; Lisa (James Bedard) Keller, Battleboro; John (Kristin Murray) Keller, Danville, Pennsylvania; Robert (Constance Reed) Birge, Coventry, Connecticut; Darice (Michael Handel) Birge; of New York City; and John (Pierrette Gabriel) Birge, Kenilworth, Illinois; and several great nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Bender Chapel, North Manchester.