Obituary of Barbara J. Katz
Barbara Jane Breakey Katz passed away early Thursday morning, December 31st, 2020. She was 96 years old. Barbara was born in Monticello on May 1, 1924. She was the daughter of Dr. Ralph Stephenson Breakey and Madeleine O’Neil Breakey.
Barbara graduated from Monticello High School, Syracuse University and she earned her Masters degree at Columbia University Teachers College. Barbara taught art in the Jeffersonville School District. She was a longtime member of the Catskill Art Society serving as the Secretary and Chairwoman of the annual Art on the Courthouse Lawn event, The Middletown Art Group and the Northeast Watercolor Society.
Barbara was a gifted and truly exceptional artist who always challenged herself artistically. She mastered many different mediums including oil paintings, watercolors and pastels. She kept her easel and painting supplies in the trunk of her Buick at all times and could often be found roadside sketching or painting a scenic landscape or barn in the western part of Sullivan County. Barbara’s memory will live on in the many beautiful paintings that she created over the years. Barbara and Ruby loved to travel, entertain and dine out. She was a fabulous cook, baking the best cookies, cakes and apple pies. Barbara had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh.
Barbara is survived by her daughter Dr. Valerie Katz Broza and her husband Dr. Clark Broza of White Plains; son Dr. Randolph Katz and his wife Eileen of Monticello; grandchildren Lauren Katz, Ryan Katz and Jennifer Broza and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Ralph S. Breakey Jr., and her husband Rubin J. Katz.
Funeral services will be held privately and burial will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Bethel. Memorial contributions can be made to the Catskill Art Society, PO Box 991, Livingston Manor, NY 12758.
Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com
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