Catherine Irene "Katie" Brake, 89, of Hixson, TN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on March 20, 2020.

Catherine was the wife of U. Richard "Dick" Brake, Jr.  Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she was the daughter of John Henry Albert Curdes and Irene May Curdes (nee Parvin).  She graduated from North Side High School in 1948, where she met her husband in the Senior class.  They were married August 18, 1951 in Fort Wayne.  She graduated from Ball State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science in education in 1952.

In 1962, the family moved to Chattanooga, where she spent the next three decades as a speech & hearing pathologist in the city and county school systems, retiring in 1991.  Katie was a member of Hixson United Methodist Church.

She truly loved the outdoors, enjoying numerous camping trips throughout the U.S. with family and the local camping club.  After age 60 she and Dick learned to fly, acting as navigator in their Cessna 172.  She and Dick also spent countless hours in pursuit of their genealogy interests, tracing her roots back to Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland.  She was a past president of the Chattanooga chapter of the Embroiderer's Guild of America, and will be remembered for her exquisitely embroidered works of art, which are now treasured family heirlooms.  She was an avid reader, possessing a well-worn library card.

Most of all, Katie loved her family.  She was gracious towards others, resilient in difficult times, always with a beautiful smile, and precious to those who knew her.

She is survived by Richard, her loving husband of 69 years; son John Richard Brake of Chattanooga, daughter Laura Ann Brake and companion Fred Broadhurst of Dunlap, TN; grandchildren David Anthony Rutherford, and Gerald Lee "Jerry" (Leandrea) Rutherford, Jr.; great-grandchildren Cameron John Rutherford, Courtney Elizabeth Moore, and Brooklyn Rose Rutherford; her loving sister Carol Sue Wellman; nieces and nephew Carrie Rene (Andy) Miller, Bob Wellman, and Jenny Wellman, as well as numerous friends.   She was predeceased by her parents and grandson John Andrew Rutherford.

The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at Erlanger and Kindred Hospitals for their kindness and dedication to her care.

Due to the current health crisis, only a private graveside service will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

A memorial will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Catherine's name to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hixson, TN. (423)-531-3975.