Katherine Prosser

Katherine "Kathie" Prosser, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, spouse, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 86 in Media, Pennsylvania. Born on August 9, 1938, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, to the late Walter A. Engel, MD, and Ferne (Warner), Kathie's life was a testament to her enduring kindness and caring.

Kathie's early life in Ohio set the stage for a lifetime of care and service. Her compassionate spirit led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duke University.  After graduation, she worked as a surgical nurse, and after years of caring for her family, she returned to nursing in the role of a patient educator. Her dedication to helping others was evident in every patient she cared for and every life she touched.

Kathie found love and companionship with her late spouse, Harold C. Prosser. Their union was blessed with two wonderful children, Anne P. Canny, with her husband Terry of Havertown, and Jim H. Prosser of Sarasota, FL. Later in life, her family expanded with the addition of two grandchildren, Edward and William Canny, both of Havertown. Kathie also shared a special bond with her brother, Dave Engel, husband of the late Sherry, of Swansboro, NC. Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones.

Kathie's interests were as vibrant and diverse as the plants and flowers she so lovingly tended. An avid gardener, she took joy in the beauty of nature and was a longtime member of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Her enthusiasm for bird watching, especially for hummingbirds, was contagious, and her gardens were a paradise of vegetables and perennials. She looked forward to attending the Philadelphia flower show each year and enjoyed visiting Longwood Gardens, Stoneleigh of Villanova, Winterthur Gardens, and Tyler Arboretum.

Her zest for life extended beyond her garden. When she lived in Bucks County, Kathie enjoyed biking along the canal, going for walks outdoors, and picking apples and peaches at local orchards. She was an active member of her church and volunteered at the local food bank each week. Kathie enjoyed reading and volunteered at the library. She recently learned to crochet, which she enjoyed immensely. Her appreciation for the performing arts and theater knew no bounds, and she was a fervent supporter and philanthropist to the arts community.

Creativity flowed through Kathie's veins, and it was reflected in the beauty she created and the legacy she leaves behind. Her kindness and caring were the cornerstones of her character, and they shone brightly in every endeavor she undertook.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 1:30 to 2pm at Lima Estate, Tyler Auditorium, 411 N. Middletown Rd., Media, PA 19063. A Celebration of Kathie’s life will follow in the auditorium. Kathie will be laid to rest with Harold in Washington’s Crossing National Cemetery.

Kathie Prosser's life was a medley of love, care, and generosity. Her memory will be treasured and kept alive by her children, grandchildren, brother, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she has left this earthly garden, the seeds of goodness she planted in all our hearts will continue to bloom for generations to come. Kathie's departure is not an end, but a transformation into an eternal presence that will forever guide and inspire us. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ACTS Legacy Foundation https://www.actsretirement.org/acts-benevolence/acts-legacy-foundation-ways-to-give/annual-giving/donate-to-acts-legacy-foundation/ or Tyler Arboretum https://tylerarboretum.org/tributes-memorials/