Mary Katherine Piggott

Published 9:33 am Sunday, April 22, 2018

NATCHEZ — Visitation for Mary Katherine “Katie” Piggott, 93, of Natchez, who died at her home surrounded by her children on Friday, April 20, 2018, will be 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Laird Funeral Home.

Katie was born on March 2, 1925, in Shreveport, La., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin L. Castanedo.  A 1941 graduate of Byrd High School, she subsequently attended and graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor of arts degree in speech/history. After graduation, as a member of the Shreveport Junior League, she was instrumental in the success of the Children’s Theater for many years and also served as a volunteer at the School for Exceptional Children.

After rearing her three children, she became an elementary school teacher in Houston, specializing in reading and early learning development.

Subsequent to her teaching career, she continued tutoring students in need in the Natchez area through the age of 90.

She had a love for needlepoint and put her talents to good use by becoming an instructor at Natchez Needle Arts and taught many students in this craft over the years.

In 1975, Katie had the honor of needlepointing a square for the United Nations Peace Rug, which still hangs today in the public lobby of the General Assembly building.

She continued this passion with a “needlepoint guild” in her home for the final years of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Guido M. Piggott, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Piggott and husband Michael Tooke of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Merideth Trovato and husband Terry of Natchez; son, Guido M. Piggott III and wife Laura of Houston; three granddaughters: Katherine Piggott-Tooke, Merideth Piggott-Tooke, Kelly Haddox; grandson, Jacob Adams; and two great-granddaughters: Lucille Piggott-Tooke-Jadin and Phoebe Piggott-Tooke-Jadin.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who helped her at home for the past several years, especially long-term caregivers: Lauvette Baker, Pat Johnson, Theresa Jones, Ruth Malone, and Shirley Thompson.

Katie’s family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Compassus Hospice.  Their outstanding support and services helped her loved ones to fulfill her end-of-life wishes to the fullest.

The following special friends will serve as honorary pallbearers: Bob M. Dearing, Randy Myers and Adam Gwin.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts to be donated to the American Lung Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.