Catherine Irene Puzey passed away on March 11, 2009 in the West African nation of Benin. "Kate" - as she was fondly known to her many friends and family - was one of 100 Peace Corps volunteers serving in Benin. She had lived in the village of Badjoude since June 2007, working as a teacher in secondary education as well as a devoted advocate for local women and children.
Kate was born in Augsburg, Germany on June 19, 1984, where she lived with her family until they moved to Okinawa, Japan when she was nine years old. From an early age Kate distinguished herself as a remarkably compassionate and talented spirit. In high school she was elected student body president both her junior and senior year (an honor usually held only by seniors) in a school with over 2,000 students. After graduating at the top of her class in 2002, Kate attended The College of William and Mary and majored in sociology with a minor in business. She spent her junior year studying abroad in France at the University of Montpelier, developing a proficiency in French that would later allow her to be a teacher in Benin.
A truly global citizen, during her brief 24 years Kate traveled extensively to such varied places as England, Indonesia, Italy, Ghana, Greece, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Singapore, Spain, and Thailand. She was a gifted writer whose descriptions of her travels allowed family and friends to enjoy her experiences vicariously, as well as a talented photographer who captured the world with sensitivity and insight.
Kate dedicated much of her life's energy and talents towards caring for others. She worked with underprivileged children throughout college, volunteered with the International Rescue Committee for a year following graduation, and finally joined the Peace Corps service. She approached life with a vibrant joy tempered with wisdom beyond her years. Moreover, Kate possessed and nurtured a gift for embracing people of all walks, an appreciation for their diversity, a talent for understanding the nuances of human nature, and a delight in living life to the fullest. She was petite of stature, but her inspiring touch upon those who knew her was larger than life.
Kate leaves behind her parents, Harry and Lois Puzey of Cumming, Georgia; her older brother, David of Berkeley, California; her grandmother, Mrs. Mary Benson of Buford; numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many heartbroken friends throughout the world.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, at Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming. A ceremony celebrating Kate's life will be held at Birmingham United Methodist Church in Alpharetta at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 21, with interment following at New Prospect United Methodist Church in Buford.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Kate's memory to the Kate Puzey Memorial Fund, c/o Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, Suite 3100, 1230 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3592.
Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, GA is in charge of the arrangements. www.ingramfuneralhome.com.
