Ms. Katherine Kucera Joseph was born June 18, 1953 in Marseilles, Illinois to Rudolph and Violet Kucera, and was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Derrick Vincent Kucera and Duke Kevin Kucera. She was married to Toby Joseph for 38 years and is survived by her brother Rudolph Joseph Kucera, Jr., son T.J. Joseph (Laura) and grandchildren Anna Katherine and John Marshall Joseph.
Ms. Joseph graduated from Austin High School in 1971, subsequently obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alabama in 1975 and a master’s degree in gifted education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. As the Gifted Education Teacher for Morgan County Schools from 1979 until her retirement in 2004, she inspired countless young minds and taught them to think critically and dream big. A true teacher at heart, Kathy never missed an opportunity to enlighten those around her, especially regarding topics related to space exploration. Always the adventurer, she dreamed of one day going to space. Kathy’s zest for life couldn’t be denied by anyone who knew her, and her powerful presence will be dearly missed.
