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Kathleen Abeles Obituary
Kathleen "Kathy" Koretz Abeles, 77, died peacefully in her sleep on December 22, 2022 in Walnut Creek, CA. Born January 12, 1945 in Chicago to Edgar and Alice-Ruth Koretz, Kathy attended Chicago Latin and Francis Parker schools, graduating from the University of Michigan, with degrees in Mathematics and Education. Upon graduation, she was one of only 5 women in a cohort of 50 hired by IBM. She met her husband Rick very shortly after the start of IBM "boot camp" at a benefit dance for a Chicago hospital, and they were married January 28, 1968.
In 1970, Kathy and Rick embarked on a trip around the world, eventually visiting 50 countries across South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Along the way they met numerous people who praised Santa Fe, New Mexico as a wonderful place to live. They decided to visit in 1971 and the attraction was instant. They moved to Santa Fe in 1975 and quickly became immersed in the community.
During her years in Santa Fe, Kathy was a pre-PC and pre-Apple computer consultant, served on the Wheelwright Museum board, on the board of directors of The Bank of Santa Fe, and on the boards of both St. Vincent Hospital and La Familia Medical Center (becoming chairman of both boards). She was appointed by governor Bill Richardson to the NM Commission for Community Volunteerism and the NM Medical Board.
In 1979, Kathy and Rick had a daughter, Liza. In 1990, Kathy became a Realtor, helping many find a home in Santa Fe. In 2021, Kathy and Rick moved to Walnut Creek, CA to be closer to their daughter and her family.
Kathy was known and loved by many. She was a loving mother, a magnificent friend, cared deeply about others, and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She loved skiing, entertaining friends at her home, and traveling.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Richard Abeles of Walnut Creek, CA; her daughter Liza Abeles Lutzker, son-in-law Bobby Lutzker, and granddaughters Hazel and Thea Lutzker, all of Berkeley, CA; and her sister, Barbara Koretz Katz of Chicago, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy's memory can be made to La Familia Medical Center in Santa Fe: https://lafamiliasf.org/.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Abeles
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
6 Entries
Barbara Dunigan
July 21, 2023
Dear Rick and Liza,
I continue to think of you and send you my deepest condolences. Take care,
Warmest regards,
Barbara Dunigan
Laura Sullivan
January 13, 2023
Kathy was a wonderful friend and supporter of folk art in Santa Fe. We enjoyed many folk art markets together! We will miss her curiosity and zest for life!
Marilyn Jadwin Wittenbeg
January 13, 2023
Rick
sending sincere condolences on your loss.
Louis Rosen
January 12, 2023
Rick, Vivian and I extend our condolences for your loss of Kathy. As expected, it sounds like you had a wonderful life together. We get together regularly with Anita Kaplan, Art Brown's widow, and thoughts of you come up.
Lou
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Liz Stiffel
January 12, 2023
Dear Rick and family,
I was devastated to learn that your dear Kathy died. Anything that I can say or do at a time like this will be of little comfort.
I like to remember the happy times that we had together. How proud she was of you and your families many find accomplishments. You and your entire family have my deepest and most sincerest sympathy.
With love,
Liz Stiffel
Roger Wallenstein
January 10, 2023
Rick and Liza,
So sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. Although it's been years since we've seen you, Judy and I have very nice memories of Family Camp at Nebagamon when the three of you were at camp. And I remember Kathy when she was a student at Parker and had friends (from camp, I believe) who lived in the suburbs. She was lovely and lived a full and meaningful life.
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