Schortmann, Katherine E, age 79 of Needham, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Friday, October 15th, 2021. Katherine (Kit) Little was born in Plymouth, MA on Sept. 10, 1942. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1960 with an advanced certificate in biology and entered the Brockton School of Nursing. She met and married the love of her life, John J. Schortmann, Jr. on December 30, 1961. The two of them created a life that led them to Needham to raise a family and Cape Cod, a place she held dear her whole life. They shared a deep and abiding love for 38 years.
Katherine enjoyed books of all kinds and was a frequent visitor and friend to the Needham Public Library. She volunteered at her local chapter of the American Red Cross as well as a hotline for those struggling with mental health issues. Katherine worked for many years as a dental hygienist in West Roxbury. In these last years, she found pleasure in friendships and the beauty of nature outside her window. Her family always came first, but her faith and her friendships were close behind. Katherine’s hobbies included cooking, a variety of games, travels with family, visits to the beach and a good murder mystery.
She was predeceased by her husband John J. Schortmann Jr. (1998). She is survived by her 3 children, Katherine A. McHugh of So. Natick, John J. Schortmann III and his wife Mona Schortmann of Pensacola, FL and Heather M. Jung and her husband Stephan Jung of Wilton, CT. She was the proud grandmother of Justin T. Schortmann, Chelsey B. Beauchamp, Abigail R. McHugh, Jessica E. McHugh, James D. McHugh, Hannah M. Jung, Harrison M. Jung and Marlene K. Jung. Her great grandchildren include William Schortmann and Connor Beauchamp.
A visitation will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 1305 Highland Ave. Needham on Monday, October 25th from 6-7pm, followed by a memorial service beginning at 7pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, financial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Center, https://www.stjudes.org, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.