Kathryn Norton

Kathryn “Kathy” Skibisky Norton, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed away January 3, 2021.

Kathy was preceded in death by parents, Walter and Mary Babic Skibisky; and sister, Martha Skibisky.

She is survived by her loving companion of 40 years, William J Hatchett; stepchildren, William T (Ginger) Hatchett, Leigh (Robert) Scarito, Chris (Sean) O’Connell; goddaughter, Katie Foster; and very dear friend Patti Garcia. Kathy cherished her role as “Kiki” to Bill’s grandchildren, Matthew O’Connell, Brennan O’Connell Jared Scarito, Samantha Scarito and Cameron Scarito.

When visiting them, she often threatened, jokingly we think, to put them in a suitcase and take them home with her. Kathy graduated from the University of Connecticut and earned a Masters Degree in Latin American History from Tulane University. She completed all of her course work for her doctorate in Latin American History but elected not to spend a year in Mexico, a requirement to complete her degree. Kathy founded Professional Writing Services, Inc. in 1985 and had multiple technical writing contracts for our nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves. She also worked alongside her companion Bill on countless proposal writing opportunities in the government sector.

Kathy was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church where she was a committed member of the choir and frequent Cantor.  Kathy enjoyed gardening, reading, listening to Bill’s countless jokes, and regularly working out at the local gym with her “coffee club” friends. Kathy also enjoyed accompanying Bill to his Maryland farm, where she served as Hunt Camp Purchasing Agent. In that role she would be dispatched with a shopping list for the required groceries and supplies. She had to undergo training after her first shopping spree where she returned with half a pint of cole slaw….for five hungry hunters! She improved, with training, and became very helpful since the grocery store was sixteen miles distant. Kathy was a strong believer and supporter of the works of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Most Holy Trinity Outreach Ministry and the local food bank. Serving Thanksgiving dinners to those less fortunate was another way she enjoyed contributing to her community.

Visitation will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Pass Christian, MS on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM when the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Reception at Most Holy Trinity will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness are appreciated. Riemann Family Funeral Home, 9113 Kiln Delise Rd., Pass Christian is serving the family.