Kathryn Horvat

Kathryn Horvat, a long-time champion for human rights and women’s rights, passed away on March 16, 2023, at her home in Salt Lake City at the age of 84.

Kathryn was born and grew up in Washington, D.C., moving to the Chicago area in 1952. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in history from Carleton College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, and an MBA in Information Systems from Roosevelt University. She taught

Social Studies and English in middle school before her children were born. In 1980, when her children reached middle school, she returned to the workforce in computer programming and systems analysis, right at the beginning of the IT revolution. She moved to Salt Lake City in 1996 and continued her career for several years before retiring in 2003.

Kathryn lived a full and well-rounded life. She was actively involved in promoting women’s rights through membership and leadership positions in several national and international organizations, including Women Graduates-USA, American Association of University Women, and Graduate Women International. She attended sessions of the UN Commission on the Status of Women nearly every year since 2006. This year she had carried out the delegate training as the Global Impact chair and had planned to be in New York for the CSW 67 until her illness rendered her unable to attend.

In addition to her work advancing women’s rights, she did extensive research on the beginnings of the United Nations and UNESCO and developed training materials and held classes for the systems she developed. She was a fixture at the United Nations Association of Utah and the Salt Lake Committee on Foreign Relations and regularly hosted Great Decisions groups. She was a writer and editor for several organizations’ newsletters where she also served in leadership roles. She was active in the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, including singing in the church choir, and performed volunteer work through VITA and other groups. She was a dedicated reader, a lifelong learner, an avid golfer, and a sports fan who supported the Chicago Cubs, Real Salt Lake, and teams from the University of Illinois and University of Utah. Kathryn was also a world traveler, having visited six continents.

Kathryn is survived by her son Steve Horvat (Andrea Winbauer), daughter Esther (Jim) Blaskovich, grandchildren: Sarah, Samantha, Casey, and Anna, sister Betty Updike, and much extended family.

Kathryn leaves behind a legacy of respect and dignity for all. She will be greatly missed and loved always.

A mass will be celebrated on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM, at St. Mark’s Cathedral, 231 East 100 South, Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the American Association of University Women. Donations can be mailed to Kathy’s home address.

Arrangments have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please visit www.starksfuneral.com to share photos and memories with Kathryn’s family.