Celebrating the life of
Katherine (Kathie) Lilla Blum Russell
October 09, 1951 - October 14, 2016
Savannah- Katherine (Kathie) Lilla Blum Russell, 65, died Friday, October 14.
Born in Bridgeport, CT, she was the daughter of Helen Orzechowski and Frederick H. Blum, Jr. She graduated summa cum laude from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in physics. She started work on a master’s degree in quantum mechanics and also received a degree in computer science from Armstrong State College.
Katherine worked for Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah, in the 1980s. She served as an organist at St. Anthony’s Catholic/Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church. She taught Tai Chi to adults at Resurrection and in Hilton Head. She also taught karate to youth at St. Anthony’s/Resurrection.
One of her great joys was teaching these classes at St. Anthony’s/Resurrection. A third degree black belt herself, she trained her students for competitions throughout the southeast and the nation. Many received awards for their performances; some obtained second degree black belt. They respectfully referred to Katherine as “Sensei.”
As a martial arts instructor, she valued discipline and encouraged her students to achieve academically. She served as their math and science tutor and to others in the community, including college students, for many years. Some parents of her students credited Katherine’s influence and teaching skills for their children’s graduation from high school and ambition to further their education.
She was active in several friends-of-the-earth organizations. She was passionate about eating natural/organic food, recycled diligently and cared for feral cats.
Katherine was also musically inclined. Besides playing the organ, she played piano, clarinet and violin and taught herself to play the cello and flute.
She is survived by her mother, Helen Orzechowski Blum, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in New England and Florida.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park East.
Marian and I have many found memories of our friendship with Mr. and Ms. Blum over many years. Our condolence goes out to the Blum Family. Although we only met Katherine a few times, we know that she was a wonderful person who had a very important impact on the lives of many people
- Laurence & Marian Hanson, Savannah, GA
I am thankful to have known such a great person. Katherine made a difference in the lives of so many people. I personally learned a great deal from her. Thank you.
- William Johnson (Man), Atlanta, GA
I'm so very sorry to hear of Ms. Katherine's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed our talks. She will be missed.
- Holly Colbert, Savannah , GA
I'm so very sorry to hear of Ms. Katherine's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed our talks. She will be missed.
- Holly Colbert, Savannah , GA
We send our thoughtful condolences to the Blum family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely The Daniels Family John, Rhonda, Mikki, Kayla, Tiaria and Ja’lyn
- The Daniels Family, Savannah, GA
We are saddened to learn of Kathie's passing. We have so many memories of lovely family times together-weddings, graduations, confirmations, Christmas and other visits when we were traveling through Savannah. Aunt Helen, my children, sister and even my football son (who was married in Savannah last October) send you our most sincere sympathy.
- Joan Brown Williams , Orlando, Fl
Marian and I have many found memories of our friendship with Mr. and Ms. Blum over many years. Our condolence goes out to the Blum Family. Although we only met Katherine a few times, we know that she was a wonderful person who had a very important impact on the lives of many people
- Laurence & Marian Hanson, Savannah, GA
I am thankful to have known such a great person. Katherine made a difference in the lives of so many people. I personally learned a great deal from her. Thank you.
- William Johnson (Man), Atlanta, GA
I'm so very sorry to hear of Ms. Katherine's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed our talks. She will be missed.
- Holly Colbert, Savannah , GA
I'm so very sorry to hear of Ms. Katherine's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed our talks. She will be missed.
- Holly Colbert, Savannah , GA
We send our thoughtful condolences to the Blum family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely The Daniels Family John, Rhonda, Mikki, Kayla, Tiaria and Ja’lyn
- The Daniels Family, Savannah, GA
We are saddened to learn of Kathie's passing. We have so many memories of lovely family times together-weddings, graduations, confirmations, Christmas and other visits when we were traveling through Savannah. Aunt Helen, my children, sister and even my football son (who was married in Savannah last October) send you our most sincere sympathy.
- Joan Brown Williams , Orlando, Fl
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
