Katherine Therese Poma, 81, of Silverton, Oregon, passed away in her home, surrounded by her family's love, on August 16th after battling a long illness of a rare lung disease. Katherine was born on February 11, 1943 to Joseph and Tess (Therese) Poma in Brooklyn, New York, she was the oldest of their three children. After graduating from All Saints Commercial High School, Katherine went on to study at Pace University and Queen's College (1960-1964) where she earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science. She worked as a Staff Nurse at Long Island Jewish Hospital in NY before moving to California where she worked as a Staff Nurse at both Santa Monica Hospital in Santa Monica, CA and UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.

In 1963 Katherine married Frank Lisciandro, and together they joined the Peace Corps in 1966 and were sent to Togo, West Africa. In Togo Katherine served as a Registered Nurse for rural villages where she organized and operated immunization clinics for children. Returning to the USA she worked as the Executive Secretary for Doors Productions, Inc. and the rock band The Doors in their Los Angeles, CA. office.

In 1973, Katherine's only child Colette was born and in 1975 the family moved to Santa Barbara, CA. There the couple co-founded Image Associates, a film production and distribution company. Of the many films they made, The Sugar Film, won awards at important festivals and was used in schools at all grade levels throughout the USA.

In 1990, she was employed as a Senior Program Officer at Direct Relief International (DRI), an international medical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief organization that ships medical supplies, equipment and pharmaceuticals to clinics and hospitals all over the world. During her 14 year tenure at DRI she successfully completed over 575 medical aid donations to 60 countries.

In 2004 Katherine moved to Silverton, OR to be close to her daughter and son-in-law. From 2005-2009 she worked as the intake coordinator for Silverton Area Community Aid, the local food bank, and simultaneously was instrumental in the fundraising and work efforts involved in getting the new Silverton Senior Center built and operational. She was also a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and found solace and peace in her faith.

Katherine enjoyed, most of all, being with her three grandkids (she was 'Mimi' to them) who she helped care for regularly from the day they were born. She was an avid bread and muffin baker, loved a good mystery book, and enjoyed walking her neighborhood and visiting with her wonderful neighbors on 3rd St. She was interested in all types of music and films, as well as traveling and learning about other peoples and cultures. She happily spent her time playing endless games with her grandchildren, volunteering in the community, and talking on the phone for hours to lifelong friends, many of whom she had known for more than 50 years. She often cooked a delicious Italian meal for her family and always enjoyed a stiff Manhattan to go along with it made by her son-in-law. Katherine was compassionate, kind, generous and open hearted, and had a unique way of making everyone she met feel appreciated and important. She was feisty, funny, and found true joy in helping others.

Katherine was predeceased in death by her mother, Tess, and father, Joe. She is survived by her daughter, Colette Lord, her son-in-law, Carson Lord; her grandchildren, Avery, Adelaide and Cooper; her sister, Monica (Michael) Soule, brother Joseph (Kathleen) Poma, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends. She is, and will be forever, deeply missed.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers and nurses at Signature Hospice for the incredibly compassionate and thoughtful care they provided to Katherine in her final year.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation made in her name to Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA).