Catherine Berry Feucht

Feucht—Catherine Berry Feucht, 88, on June 18, 2020, of cancer, peacefully at home in Southbury, Conn., surrounded by her family. Katie was born on August 31, 1931, in Kirkwood, Mo., the daughter of William Chapman Berry and Ann Hawkins Berry. A student of ballet who had a lifelong love of the arts, Katie graduated from Washington University’s School of Fine Arts in St. Louis, Mo., in 1954, where she met and married her college sweetheart, Frederic Nathan Feucht.

In 1957, the couple moved to Pleasantville, N.Y., where their three sons, Fred Jr., Erick, and Christian, were born. Katie worked with Fred as a graphic designer and was a prolific fine artist, as well. She worked in a variety of styles and mediums, including portraiture, abstract oils, watercolor landscapes, and oriental brush painting. She had numerous one-person shows and won national awards for her oriental brush paintings.

Katie was always on a spiritual quest and was very ecumenical. As a child, she loved going to the Episcopal church with her father. In college and afterward, she took courses in world religions. After marrying Fred, who was the son of a Lutheran minister, she explored that tradition. Katie was introduced to Quakerism in a women’s Bible study group in 1975. She became a member of Purchase Meeting in Harrison, N.Y. Throughout her life, Katie continued to explore the spiritual practices of Zen Buddhism, Sufism, and especially A Course in Miracles (a spiritual self-study program). Her frequent messages about love and Light at meetings for worship were grounded in mystical traditions.

If there was music, Katie was dancing. She starred in many community theater performances. She loved dogs and children and was a surrogate mother to many. In 2012, Katie and Fred moved to Heritage Village, a retirement community in Southbury, Conn. Katie was fond of long walks in the woods with her dogs. She was a proud supporter of son Erick’s bluegrass band and was a joyful leader on the dance floor until shortly before her death. Friends say they were blessed by her spiritual insights, love, and kindness.

Katie is survived by her husband, Fred Feucht; and three children, Fred Feucht Jr., Erick Feucht (Kimberly), and Christian Feucht (Gilann).