Katherine (Hewitt) Racko

Katherine Hewitt Racko, 90 passed away at her home in Portsmouth, RI on December 30, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.She had lived with her daughter, son-in-law and grandsons in Portsmouth, RI since 2011. Prior to 2011, she had made her home in Schenectady, NY.Born in Schuylerville, NY on July 15, 1925, she was the daughter of the late George J., Sr. and Julia (Conroy) Hewitt. Katherine graduated from Schuylerville High School and then worked for General Electric as an administrative clerk. After marrying, Katherine stayed home to raise her family. While her children were young, Katherine volunteered in different capacities at their schools. She also served as a volunteer at St. Clare's Hospital. She enjoyed gardening, tending to several flower gardens at her home. Katherine enjoyed traveling, whether with her sisters on a trip north to view the fall foliage or to visit her children and their families.Katherine's passion was spending time with her family. Katherine was the beloved grandmother of four grandsons, and took advantage of every opportunity to spend time with them. Predeceased by Stephen P. Racko, her husband of 46 years, Katherine is survived by her two children, Karen A. Corbett (John) of Portsmouth, RI, Thomas S. Racko (Vita Marie) of Syracuse, NY; her four grandsons, Christopher Corbett of Madison, WI, John Corbett, III, of New York, NY, Matthew Corbett of Portsmouth, RI and Thomas Racko, Jr. of Syracuse, NY. Katherine is also survived by three sisters, Julia F. Hewitt of Clifton Park, NY, Patricia M. Hewitt of Clifton Park, NY and Eileen H. Spelman of Jacksonville, FL; and a brother, George J. Hewitt of Clyde Hill, WA, and many nieces and nephews. Katherine is predeceased by her sister Marion H. Waring of Saratoga Springs, NY; and predeceased by three brothers, Joseph P. Hewitt of Schenectady, NY, Donald E. Hewitt of Schuylerville, NY and William L. Hewitt of Rutland, VT, all three of whom served in World War II. Relatives and friends may call from 9 to 10 am, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am the same day at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 210 Princetown Rd., Schenectady, NY. Burial will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Troy Schenectady Rd.