Obituary of Katherine Elizabeth Acton

Katherine Elizabeth (Brown) Acton passed away on March 24, 2016 at the age of 95 after a brief illness. She was born on January 9, 1921 in New York to William and Catherine (Treffs) Brown. She grew up in New York City, and volunteered with the Red Cross during World War Two. As part of her service during the war, she was sent to California and then Japan, where she met Norman E. Acton. They were married a year later, and returned to Japan for a short while before settling in Illinois. After the birth of their daughter, Mary, they began a lifetime of international travel and service. In addition to supporting Norman's work with various international organizations, Katherine worked at a school and local library, and volunteered with various groups dedicated to the care and preservation of animals. After she and Norman retired to Florida, they were both active members of the Friends of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Katherine was also a long-time member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), a group dedicated to the advancement of women. Katherine was a very private, modest person who was also fiercely independent. She cultivated long friendships that survived both distance and time, and is remembered by family and friends for her kindness, generosity, quick wit, and fearlessness. She was predeceased by her husband Norman E. Acton, and is survived by her daughter Mary A. Robinson, granddaughter Jennifer A. Robinson, and grandson Matthew A. Robinson. A private memorial was held on Sunday, April 17, 2016. In memoriam donations can be made to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, or to Seniors for Seniors USA (s4s-usa.org).