Obituary for Maria Gerlinde Hummel 

Maria Gerlinde Hummel (known as Kathy)
Kathy was born in Germany on October 30, 1950 and she passed away in Tucson on May 20, 2026.

Kathy’s life was filled with cherished memories and a strong and vibrant spirit. 

She came over by boat to the US at age 5 months with non-English speaking parents and settled in New Jersey.
She learned English quickly and being the eldest child, she became the family advocate.

She went to a catholic grammar school, catholic high school, then to Newark State University for a biology degree. With additional studies and dedication, she obtained her Master’s degree in microbiology at a New York University. She then worked herself up from a phlebotomist to being a microbiology lab supervisor in a large hospital.

Kathy married John (Jack), the love of her life, in 1979. After 40 plus wonderful years living in Nutley, New Jersey, Kathy and Jack moved to Tucson to be closer to her family. Kathy’s faith and celebrating the Lord at Mass was very important to her so she quickly established herself at St. Mark Catholic Church. Aside from regularly going to Mass, she was an active member of the Sandwich Squad, Cactus Comfort knitters, and crocheters, Endow, Women’s Encounter with Christ.

Kathy was also an active member of the Newman Center Sustaining Board and became the historian for that group, organizing its history from start to present time.

Kathy was an animal lover, particularly cats. She was an amazing “Cat Mom”. She found joy in her cats, as well as crocheting, reading and spending time with Jack and her family and friends.

Kathy was an extraordinary person. Her purpose in life was serving the Lord and she did this by giving her time and energy to whomever and whatever needed; expressing her love to Jack, her family and friends. She was kind, caring, helpful, loving and deeply loved. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Kathy is survived by her husband John (Jack); sister Ann Booth; four nephews and their
significant others; Ann’s grandson and Jack’s New Jersey family.

Services: 
June 5, 2026 Marana Mortuary – Viewing noon to 8:00 p.m.
June 6, 2026 St. Mark Catholic Church (2727 W. Tangerine Rd., Oro Valley, AZ 85755) . Rosary at 11:45 a.m. followed by a Mass at 12:15 p.m. Interment following the Mass at Marana Cemetery. A brief reception will follow at the Marana Mortuary.

In Lieu of flowers make a contribution for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (Cat section); Cat shelters, ASPCA for cats.