Mary Catherine "Kate" Purdy, 100, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 5, 2025 at Story Point North. Kate was born in Huntington on October 5, 1924 to the late Henry and Catherine Mary (Ness) Reust. She graduated from Huntington Catholic High School and in 1942 was honored by being selected to Crown the Blessed Virgin Mary that year. On October 5, 1946, Kate married J. Wilbur Purdy, who preceded her in death on March 20, 1995 after 48 years of marriage. Kate is survived by their children, Wayne Purdy of Pendleton, Michael Purdy of New Haven, Patrick (Bilean) Purdy of Pittsburgh PA, Robert (Linda) Purdy of Fairfield Twp OH, Christine (Tom) Strattman of Indianapolis, Bill Purdy of Fort Wayne; 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Kate is also survived by her brothers, Harold Reust of Yoder and Lee (Marilyn) Reust of Huntington; sisters-in-laws, Mary Reust, Phyllis Reust and Jean Fleck, all of Huntington, and Mary Chamberlain of North Manchester. In addition to her parents and husband Wilbur, Kate was also preceded in death by brothers, Ed, Hank, Billy, Bernard, Paul, Tom, Mark and Dave Reust, sister, Alberta Hine, and daughter-in-law, Becky Purdy.
Kate was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, where she was active in the Rosary Sodality and assisted with funeral dinners. She worked at Our Sunday Visitor and later as a baker at North Side High School for over 20 years. Kate enjoyed cooking, fishing, gardening, square dancing and playing cards. She was an accomplished seamstress having made numerous wedding and bridesmaids dresses over the years. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be dearly missed. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am Thursday February 13, 2025 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2155 Randallia Dr. with visitation from 9:30-10:30 am in the church. Visitation also on Wednesday from 4-8pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. with the Rosary at 3:30pm. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. The family's preferred memorial are Masses or to Eleos Hospice Care, 4432 Ardmore Ave Unit B, Fort Wayne, IN 46809. To share a remembrance of Kate or to offer condolences to her family, please visit DivineMercyFuneralHome.com.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord,

And let perpetual light shine upon her.