Katherine Dezonia

DeZonia, Katherine Elizabeth "Tish" (Hodgson), 86

MADISON- Preceded in death by her devoted husband, Robert H. "Bob" DeZonia, and their beloved son Robert F. "Bobby" DeZonia, Tish peacefully joined her Heavenly Father on 12/15/2015, surrounded in love by her children & grandchildren at Agrace Hospice.

Born in Pittsburgh PA on 6/27/1929, Tish was the 3rd of 5 children born to Dr. Michael A. & Katherine Heath Hodgson, all of whom preceded her in death.
Raised in Memphis TN, Tish majored in English at Memphis State University where she met Bob. Several years in IL led them to Madison, a place Tish fell in love with and returned to after 4 years in Pierre SD.

Women's fashion and antique furnishings highlighted her work years, with stints at Ilse's Living Room of Manchester's, Jan Byce's boutique, and Topaz Antiques. Tish was the 1st Nursing Home Ombudsman for the State of SD.

A voracious reader, Tish was passionate about all things political & religious, and gatherings ultimately provided certainty that family love is indeed durable and abundant despite it all.

An original "foodie" & great cook, Tish spent years making vats of homemade chicken soup, chili & cheesecake for the homeless.

An expert Bridge player & knitter, Tish loved music, the Arts, Arboretum drives & her little dogs. A die-hard Green Bay Packers & UW Badgers fan, she enjoyed games with an icy cold Budweiser in hand.

Most of all, Tish was a woman of deep faith, a devout Catholic who loved us all deeply and encouraged us to follow our dreams in happiness and spirituality.

Tish is survived by 6 of her 7 children: Kathe Hocum (Kurt Skodje), Anne-Marie Cookson, Suzanne Carter Mullen (Tim), Liz Hinkes (Creighton), Jeanne DeZonia Corcoran (Gregg Gehrke), and Barry DeZonia. She adored her grandchildren: Jen Atherton (Alex), Sean Hocum, David Cookson, Elizabeth Leach (Rob), Jocelyn Cookson Northenscold, Ben Cookson, Katy Carter, Dan Carter (Jennie), Anne DeAtley (Rob), Kristen Kallevig (Ben), Kevin Mullen (Shana), Becca Effertz (Aaron), Joseph Mullen (Kelly), Rachel Hinkes, Travis Hinkes, Mikaila Corcoran, Rebecca Corcoran, Casey DeZonia & Haley DeZonia. She was thrilled to have 13 great-grandchildren & a 14th on the way.

We are so grateful we are here because of our Mom, our Gramma. We will miss her dearly & know her love will abide in us forever.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Andrew's Catholic Church on Friday, 12/18/2015 at 10:30 am, with visitation at the church one hour prior to service. Interment at St. Andrew's immediately following service and luncheon at the church afterward in celebration of Tish's 86 years.

Memorials preferred to St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 301 N. Main St., Verona, WI 53593.


Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434