Katharine "Kay" (Perkins) Lorenz
May 8, 1929 — September 13, 2014
Katharine “Kay” Sagendorph (Perkins) Lorenz
A Passion for Music and Opera -
Katharine “Kay” Sagendorph (Perkins) Lorenz, age 85, of Mechanicsburg , died at Bethany Village on Saturday, September 13, 2014. Kay was born on Wednesday, May 8, 1929 in Hudson, NY to the late Robert N. Perkins and Katharine (Milham) Perkins. Kay was the widow of Thomas C. Lorenz whom she married on February 23, 1952 and who died on March 30, 2013. In addition to her parents and husband, Kay is preceded in death by her son Craig Lorenz.
Kay’s survivors include her sons: Steven T. Lorenz and his wife, Olicea, of Delaware, Brian R. Lorenz of Connecticut; her grandchildren: Heather, Jason, Alyson, David and Adam; four great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert N. Perkins, Jr. and his wife, Mary Louise, of Cortez, CO; and her step-mother, Frances Perkins, of Albany, NY.
Kay was a devoted Christian, an amazing mother, and loving wife. She grew up in upstate New York and Alexandria, VA. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University , graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Arts and Education. Next to her close friends and family, music and opera were Kay’s driving passions in life. She was an accomplished soprano and completed numerous Masters Vocal Studies at Westminster Choir College , Julliard , Peabody Conservatory , Penn State and University of Delaware . Kay was known throughout the community for her beautiful soprano voice and had performed in numerous opera and musical productions in the greater Harrisburg area throughout her career. For over 25 years, she was a personal tutor-teacher for many students of advanced voice and piano. Kay also spent time as a music teacher at Wilson College and directed choirs for several civic organizations and churches in the region. Other accomplishments include: Vice President of the National Teachers Association of Singing and President of the Wednesday Club of Harrisburg . Kay was also an Elder at Christ Presbyterian Church in Allendale.
All are welcome to join Kay’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church , 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011; with Reverend Ellen Crawford True officiating. Scattering will follow in the Church’s Memorial Garden . Cremation was private. Kay’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church following the scattering.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Wednesday Club Scholarship Fund , P.O. Box 3765, Harrisburg, PA 17105, Christ Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund , 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011, or Downtown Daily Bread , 310 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
Kay’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Kay’s full obituary and sign her official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .