In Memoriam to Katy "KT" Marotta
1952 - 2009
by Laur
Lady, are you crying, do the tears belong to me
Did you think our time together was all gone
Lady, you've been dreaming, I'm as close as I can be
I swear to you our time has just begun
Close your eyes and rest your weary mind
I promise I will stay right here beside you
Today our lives were joined, became entwined
I wish THAT you could know how much I love you
Lady, are you happy, do you feel the way I do
Are there meanings that you've never seen before
Lady, my sweet lady, I just can't believe it's true
And it's like I've never ever loved before
Close your eyes and rest your weary mind
I promise I will stay right here beside you
Today our lives were joined, became entwined
I wish THAT you could know how much I love you
Lady, are you crying, do the tears belong to me
Did you think our time together was all gone
Lady, my sweet lady, I'm as close as I can be
And I swear to you our time has just begun
-Music and lyrics by John Denver
On Saturday, August 29, 2009 Fremont H.O.G. lost one of its members, Katy 'KT' Marotta while riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle she so loved. Losing KT is a huge loss for this chapter and she had told me she wanted to run for an office again this year; she so wanted to be an active member of Fremont Hog. I had been encouraging her to contact Barb about being the purchasing officer and I know she was going to approach her. KT would have made a great officer because she lived to help people in any way she could. At the last chapter meeting she came up to me and in her humorous fashion put her arm around me and said, "You had better run for secretary again or I'll kick your butt!” That was KT! I will run again, but will do so in her honor.
A beautiful Catholic mass and service was held for KT on Friday, September 4. The Knights of Columbus were present and they led KT's coffin up the aisle with Charlie and his children following and the rest of their family. All carried a single yellow rose because KT loved yellow roses. We learned that Charlie and KT met in the service and were married for 30 years. They have three children whose love for their mother shined brightly. The church was packed with a couple hundred people who loved KT and were touched by her. Many like me were lucky to call her a friend. Several times the congregation sang and it was so moving I couldn't help but think this was to help KT travel Home to God and Heaven.
Memorial Patch is available for $8.00. Email Laur for info.
Saturday, September 5 was her viewing and a celebration of her life. Again, the room was so crowded with people who came to honor KT that it over-flowed into the side rooms, back room and up the aisles. Her Fremont Hog family came out in force and we all wore our chapter colors. At the door leading into the viewing room KT's chapter vest was on the right and Charlie's was on the left. We all were reminded what a wonderful sense of humor she had by those who came up and shared sweet, funny stories about her. As I looked around I saw the total and complete grief we were all feeling for the loss of someone truly special. As Charlie spoke about his beloved KT his great sense of humor came out and we could clearly understand the relationship they shared for so long and the devotion they both had to their church. Both Charlie and KT were in the program to become church deacons and Charlie will continue with his path. At one point one of KT's daughters played the John Denver song My Sweet Lady because she felt it was appropriate and she couldn't have been more correct. When you listen to the song think of our wonderful friend and Fremont Hog member and know that as much as we loved KT she loved us in return.
...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint -Isaiah 40:31
As PJ so aptly wrote, "Another angel is riding free". KT is up in the clouds riding her Harley. I'd like to think she's watching over us, too.
