Katheryn Kiley Mahaffey Esterline

Katheryn Kiley Mahaffey Esterline (April 4, 1940 – May 5, 2024)

We are saddened by the loss of our matriarch, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Katheryn Kiley Mahaffey Esterline, 84, who passed peacefully on May 5, 2024, at her home in Lakeland, FL.

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Kate attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, Tudor Hall, Pine Manor College, and Michigan State University. She was a teacher at St. Michael Catholic School as well as a Catholic religious education catechist for decades. Passionately serving as a leader in both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Kate made many lifelong connections. She was known as a good listener; she was also happy to share her vast experiences of raising six children. Her infectious spirit had a tremendous influence on all those whose paths she crossed. 

Kate lived a life filled with family, friendship, and service. She was the heart and soul of her family, which was her legacy. Her grandmother name was Moogie, but many beyond the ranks of her grandchildren addressed her as such. Moogie took great joy in welcoming each additional grandchild into the family. In the final weeks of her life, she spent time with many of her 29 grandchildren and even got to meet her very first great grandchild.  Moogie was like a rainbow of light to her grandchildren, all of whom adored her. Her humor, her love of life, and her joy touched everyone that she met. Her positive mindset and inclusive nature, powered by her abundance of love and acceptance of all, helped her to create a large network of friends everywhere she went. 

Kate lived her entire life in Indianapolis up to the final two years.  She was a dedicated, vibrant leader involved in many organizations in the community and found great joy in her time volunteering.  She served on the Board of Directors at Mary Rigg from 2007 until 2018. She was awarded the Help & Hope Hero Award, for the outstanding lifetime volunteer leadership at the 100^th anniversary celebration of Mary Rigg in 2011. She was an active member of Tri Kappa, Mu Alpha Latreian as well as the Progressive Club. Kate was also a volunteer reading tutor for many years at Fishback Elementary. She was a member of the Indianapolis Dramatic Club, participating in several club performances. Kate was a long-time parishioner of St. Monica Catholic Church.

Kate is survived by her brother Mark Thomas Mahaffey (Marianne), St. Petersburg, FL; her six children: Thomas Martin Esterline, Jr. (Angie Taksony), Indianapolis, IN; Daniel Merrill Esterline (Colleen Williams), Lakeland, FL; Elizabeth Esterline Roush (Matt), Lakeland, FL; Sarah Esterline Sampson (Jon), Zionsville, IN; Susanna Esterline Arnold (Michael), Tampa, FL; William Merrill Esterline (Lauren Voors), La Verne, CA; and her 29 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter: Riley Thomas Roush, Courtney Katheryn Sampson Stocks (Areyán), Reagan Daniel Roush, Kaelan Kiley Roush, Cally Kathleen Sampson, Cassidy Kiley Sampson, Alexander Jon Sampson, Thomas Martin Esterline III, Jack William Sampson, Anna Kathleen Esterline, Dasha Kate Roush, Lily Katheryn Roush, Carson Kate Sampson, Jason Gary Esterline, Caroline Kelly Sampson, Katheryn Kiley Esterline, Addison Jane Sampson, Leo Merrill Roush, Ava Jane Arnold, Georgia Kate Esterline, Angus Daniel Esterline, Cooper Thomas Sampson, Charlotte Mae Arnold, Emily Katheryn Esterline, Logan Daniel Sampson, Franklin Thomas Esterline, Kiley Elizabeth Esterline, Audrey Jane Esterline, Whitney Danielle Esterline, Ruby Katheryn Stocks, as well as 15 nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Thomas (Tom) Martin Esterline, Sr.; her parents, Thomas Mahaffey, Jr. and Jane Watson Mahaffey; her brother, James Watson Mahaffey, her sister-in-law, Terry Mahaffey, both of Winter Park, FL; her sister Ann Mahaffey Cline McGrath (John), Indianapolis, IN; her sister-in-law Nicole Esterline (Charles), Indianapolis, IN; her brother-in-law, Robert Darmer, Sr.; her sister-in-law, Jane Darmer, both of Indianapolis, IN; and her brother-in-law, John W. Esterline III.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church, 6131 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN. Visitation with family and friends will be held on Wednesday, May 15^th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral service and burial will be held on Thursday, May 16th beginning at 11:00 a.m. 

The family wishes to offer our heartfelt thanks to her amazing and loving caregivers in both Lakeland, FL and Indianapolis, IN. Contributions in memory of Kate can be made to Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, 1920 W. Morris St. Indianapolis, IN, 46221 (http://www.maryrigg.org). Flanner and Buchanan – Zionsville, IN is handling arrangements. http://www.flannerbuchanan.com.