Katherine “Kay” A. Moore OBITUARY
Katherine “Kay” Moore of Ontario, California, passed away quietly on September 5, 2025, just before her 102nd birthday, at Oakmont of San Antonio Heights in Upland, California. Kay also kept her beloved family home in Ontario, which was bought by her father in 1919. Kay was the last direct descendant of the Ostran family, a name that is part of Ontario’s early history. Her great uncle, Petrus Ostran, owned the Ostran Department Store, a well-loved spot at the corner of Euclid Avenue and B Street. For over 125 years, many generations of the Ostran family have made Ontario their home. Born in Ontario to Dr. Howard Hatcher, the town dentist, and Allie Philstrom Hatcher (Petrus Ostran’s niece), Kay grew up surrounded by love and family, with many relatives just a short walk away. She graduated from Chaffey High School and completed secretarial training. During World War II, she worked as a civilian private secretary at the P-38 Fighter Plane Air Base at Ontario Airfield, now known as Ontario International Airport. After the war ended, Kay moved to Los Angeles and became an Executive Secretary at Paramount Film Exchange. It was there that she met Lester Coleman, who she later married and affectionately called “a fine and handsome Southern gentleman.” Their life together combined the excitement of Hollywood with regular visits back to Ontario. After Kay’s mother died, Les retired and they returned to her family home where they enjoyed many happy years with friends while being active in their community and attending First Methodist Church. Kay also took pride in being part of the DV Chapter of PEO; she volunteered at the San Bernardino Well Baby Clinic; and worked part-time at Claremont Men’s College. Les passed away in 1981-a very sad time for Kay. Eventually, Kay found love again with Glenn Moore- a close friend who was also grieving his wife’s passing. According to Kay, their marriage brought “11 years of pure bliss,” full of travel adventures and laughter among shared friends. One highlight was joining The Pomona Travelers club that Glenn had enjoyed with his first wife; he introduced it to Kay lovingly. Together they explored both U. S. states and Canada with their group. On one such trip, Kay reconnected with her second cousin Linda Johnson from Simsbury Connecticut. They formed an immediate bond that blossomed into a lasting friendship filled with frequent visits between Ontario and Simsbury. After Glenn passed away in 1997, Kay embraced single life while still enjoying time spent with loved ones on both coasts. In 2020, Kay moved to Oakmont where she thrived within a caring community environment. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Oakmont staff for making it feel like home along with special thanks to Sarah Sullivan-Kay’s dedicated caregiver for over a decade. Kay remained closely tied to her roots in Ontario throughout her life and found joy in her family home as well as her neighborhood connections. She proudly supported San Antonio Regional Hospital located in Upland; she was also involved with both Living Legacy Society & Frances Mary Paul Circle. She often wished for more closeness between herself and her Connecticut family members; sadly John Ostran Peterson from West Hartford predeceased her. She leaves behind second cousin Linda Johnson from Simsbury; Linda’s daughter Lisa Stevenson along with husband David Stevenson residing in West Hartford; plus their grown children Harry & Katherine “Kate”-who shares namesake honors! Additionally dear relatives & friends will fondly remember her too. A private burial will occur when convenient for the family; celebrations honoring Kay’s life will be planned for later dates ahead. If you would like to express condolences through donations instead flowers are appreciated toward either: San Antonio Hospital Foundation located at: 999 San Bernardino Road Upland CA91786 or any charity chosen fittingly remembering Kay! Correspondence can be directed via mail addressed appropriately through c/o Linda Johnson!Source link
