Katherine L. Garman 1925-2020

Kaye was born Nov. 16, 1925, and was raised in Campbell, the youngest daughter of Michael and Anna Furin Leshinsky. She was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and was a lifelong area resident.

In her early years, Kaye worked as a “Government Girl” in Washington, D.C. She worked as secretary for many congressmen and military leaders, Admiral Richard Byrd among them. She attended Harry Truman’s Inaugural Ball in 1949 and was seated with Shirley Temple and John Agar.

It was in Washington, D.C., that Kaye met her future husband, Col. Maurice “Pete” Garman. Pete and Kaye married May 18, 1952, and were true soulmates for 59 years. Kaye always said the secret to a happy marriage was to “never go to bed angry and always give a kiss goodnight.”

Kaye was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Campbell. She served as the president of church council for at least one year, as well as serving on church council for many years. She belonged to the Altar Society, Eastern Orthodox Women’s Society, St. Tikhon’s Century Club, was a former church school teacher and Junior O’Club adviser, and member of the Campbell O’Club, holding several positions on the local level. She was the longtime writer of the church bulletin and especially enjoyed including activities and jokes for the children. Kaye was an active member of the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) and held many offices, such as past national recording secretary and past Ohio Districtsecretary. Kaye spent many summers in Green Township at St. Vladimir’s Camp. She was an avid fundraiser for the church, and someone no one could say “no” to. Her familiar “hoo hoo” was heard as she was heading your way to ask for support. If there was a project to be completed, she worked tirelessly for it.

Kaye was an active member of the city of Campbell. She worked as clerk of council, and was an executive secretary for CASTLO. Even in her advanced years, she could be seen on the Campbell Facebook page talking about “putting her name in” to run for office. In the private sector, Kaye worked as administrative assistant to Attorney Matthew J. Blair and as an office manager for her son-in-law, Dr. James A. Lazor, DO.

Kaye was truly a “Baba” or “Momma” to all. You couldn’t visit her without being sent home with an armful of halushki, kolachi, hot peppers, jelly or some other treasure from her home.

She will be deeply missed and always remembered by her three granddaughters, Kristen Gitler (Brian) of Ambler, Pa., Jessica Swindell (Andrew) of Peabody, Mass., and Dr. Jennifer Lazor (Matthew Lombardo) of Cleveland; her four great-grandchildren, whom she loved “a bushel and a peck,” Danny, Grace, Joshy and Brady; and her son-in-law, Dr. James Lazor (Belinda) of Newton Falls.

Her husband, Pete, preceded her in death, May 11, 2011. Kaye and Pete had one daughter, Kathleen Susan Lazor, who also preceded her in death, Dec. 4, 2010.

Besides her parents, husband and daughter, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Mary and Anna; her brothers, Andy, Steve, Joseph, Michael and Walter; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Private family services were held Saturday, April 4, 2020, with Fr. Andrew Nelko officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John the Baptist Orthodox Church Perpetual Memorial Fund, 301 Struthers Liberty Road, Campbell, OH 44405.

The Wasko Family and staff will assist Kaye’s family with a public service honoring her at a later date.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and send Kaye’s family condolences.

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