Katherine Elizabeth Mary Shott (Flach)

b. 26 Sep 1887 d. 5 Dec 1977 m. 6 Jul 1942 Frank Shott b. 10 Nov ?

(Auntie Katie) 1887-1977.

Katherine was the second child of Eva and Joseph Flach. She was brought up in the peaceful atmosphere of a late Victorian and Edwardian North London suburb.

Her schooling was at Our Lady's Convent, where she excelled at art and music. Oil painting was a talent which she continued to cultivate and maintain into adult life, and she loved to play the violin.

At the age of 16 Katie and Theresa were sent to the convent in Aschaffenburg for a year to perfect their German, and to develop their attachment to their Bavarian family roots.

On leaving school Katie took up office work at the firm of Cooper and Cooper, tea importers, and here she stayed, despite a number of take-overs and changes of management, till she retired.

Her life was one of dedication to others. She had been a true companion and support to her mother who had been widowed at so young an age. As `Auntie Katie' to all her nieces and nephews, many of whom were her godchildren, she was everyone's favourite. These were really her extended family.

On the death of her mother, Eva, in 1939, her life might have become rather empty. It was fortunate, however, that she met, and later, in 1942 married Frank Shott, and the two of them made a very happy life together. Here again she showed her true dedication to others. Katie and Frank lived in with Frank's elderly parents, and she lovingly cared for both right through to their final illnesses and deaths.

On retirement, Katie and Frank started a new life in Ramsgate, where once again she made herself happy in a quiet and peaceful life. They would often lose track of the days of the week, but invariably remembered her Sunday Mass at the convent along the road Katie never thought of herself as being `old' and was once amused when some local schoolchildren came to the door asking if they could help in any way, as they were on a project which involved caring for old people. Her comment was "I suppose we are the old people!" She was then well into her middle `80's! Katie and Frank were delighted to welcome members of the family to their new home, and their kindness and hospitality are always well remembered.

Even after Frank's death she bravely adapted her life to a contented and cheerful widowhood. "We will have to do the best we can." was her comment after Frank's funeral. She was happy to be surrounded by her numerous pieces of furniture, - when they moved from Palmer's Green to Ramsgate they filled no fewer than five removal vans! Photos, books jpgts, souvenirs from various holidays, and also old letters, which were all carefully catalogued, always provided something of interest to show her visitors. Right to the end of her life Katie was able to look after herself well and to keep up a high standard. For every meal, she set the table neatly with a clean white tablecloth and serviette, and while retaining many German characteristics, she was also proud to be a Londoner. Boiled beef and carrots was a favourite dish.

Katie died as peacefully as she had lived after a short illness and after only a few days in hospital.

Katie's wedding 6 July 1942

Standing: Elizabeth and Maurice Titford, Eileen and Paul Flach, Gabriel and Elise Flach, Henry Flach, Lillie Flach and Lucienne Flach

Seated: ? ? ?, Frank and Katie Shott, ?, James Flach

A Katie and U Frank in 1965